Aaron Rodgers explains why he turned down Robert Saleh’s hug during the Jets’ home opener

All is well in the Meadowlands.

Fans on social media felt some tension between New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh after the four-time league MVP appeared to reject his coach’s hug on the sideline in the first half of Thursday night’s win over the New England Patriots.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, #8, talks with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP photo/Adam Hunger)

Some speculated that the rejection may have been Rodgers’ competitiveness and the inability to celebrate despite a 14-0 lead, but the two clarified the interaction during the post-game press conference.

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“We talked about giving the defense a two-score lead,” Saleh told reporters with a grin.

“And it was a two-score lead, so I think he just wanted to see something in the defense. He just reminded me that we had a two-score lead.

Rodgers’ story seemed to ring true. He told the media that he wanted to make it clear to Saleh that the Jets had accomplished what they set out to do during the long-awaited homecoming.

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh congratulates New York Jets running back Breece Hall, #20, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, #8, after the Jets scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game on Thursday, September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP photo/Seth Wenig)

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“Oh, awkward? No, it wasn’t awkward at all,” Rodgers said of the interaction, laughing.

“He’s not normally a hugger. So I didn’t know he was going for the hug. He also likes to do the two-hand chest push. But he talks a lot about two-score leads. So I just gave him a little push and said, ‘two-score lead.’ That’s what happened.”

The Jets excelled against their AFC East rival on a short week.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, #8, reacts during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP photo/Adam Hunger)

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After defeating the Tennessee Titans On Sunday, the Jets returned to New York with all eyes on Rodgers. It would be his first game at MetLife Stadium since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into his debut last season.

Rodgers, 40, completed 27 of 35 for 281 yards with TD throws to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard as the Jets won the patriots 24-3, ending an eight-game home loss streak to New England.

The Jets will take a short break ahead of their game against the Denver Broncos on September 29.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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