Keyshawn Johnson Blasts Aaron Rodgers for Early Exit During Jets' Blowout Loss to Bills
2025-01-01
Author: Lok
In a fiery segment on FS1's "Speak," former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson unleashed a scathing critique of Aaron Rodgers, calling out the Jets quarterback for seemingly quitting during the team's humiliating 40-13 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Johnson's ire was directed at Rodgers after the quarterback admitted to suggesting his own replacement as the Jets faced a daunting 40-0 deficit early in the fourth quarter. "You decided to take your ball and go home because you weren’t getting your way," Johnson exclaimed. "You quit on your team, man. I’m not going to sugarcoat this. I thought Rodgers was on a mission to show the Jets he should return, but after yesterday’s performance, I want nothing to do with him."
The criticism intensified as Johnson emphasized the severity of Rodgers' actions: "He took his ball and went home! He wasn’t getting his way, and the Bills were kicking his rear end. What the hell is wrong with Aaron Rodgers?"
The postgame press conference revealed Rodgers himself suggested bringing in backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor as the game spiraled out of control. "I mean, it was 33-0, and I said at some point probably go to Tyrod here, huh? Then the next play they threw a screen for a touchdown. So it was 40-0," Rodgers explained. Taylor did eventually enter the game and managed to lead the Jets to two touchdown drives, raising questions about whether he might be a better fit under center, especially given the Jets' struggles throughout the season.
Johnson went on to draw parallels between Rodgers’ behavior and that of 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who refused to play earlier in the month. Despite pushback from fellow panelists Paul Pierce and Joy Taylor, Johnson maintained that the core of Rodgers’ decision was the same: a refusal to fight through adversity.
As the Jets’ season continues to spiral, finding themselves with a dismal 4-12 record, Johnson’s comments touch on a larger theme of accountability within the team. The loss to the Bills marked the Jets’ second consecutive defeat since head coach Robert Saleh's firing in late October, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding Rodgers’ future with the franchise.
When asked postgame about his future with the Jets, Rodgers commented, “I’m going to enjoy next week and then take some mental and physical rest,” hinting at potential changes ahead. With questions surrounding his commitment and leadership, fans and analysts alike are left pondering: What does the future hold for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets?