Aaron Rodgers starts 'different' Jets training camp with patient approach - ESPN

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his highly anticipated training camp debut Thursday, embracing the huge expectations and the excitement that comes with a fresh start.

«Everything is different,» he said after his first practice. «Nineteen years in, there's been a lot of training camps — all of them at 1265 Lombardi. Showing up at One Jets Drive was a little different.»

So is his approach.

The former Green Bay Packers star who was traded to the Jets in April recognizes he's surrounded by new teammates who are learning an offensive system he mastered years ago. Rodgers is teaching along the way, impressing teammates and coaches with his patient leadership style.

«He's a coach that can still play football,» Jets coach Robert Saleh said.

Rodgers, 39, admitted he hasn't always been this nurturing, but these circumstances are far different than Green Bay. The four-time MVP recognizes the importance of trying to galvanize a potentially explosive offense.

«I feel like I've grown a lot over the years,» Rodgers said. «Yeah, I would say earlier in my career, I was a little more easily angered. I feel like I'm a little less triggered as I've gotten older.»

Rodgers pulled aside Garrett Wilson on the field for a brief conversation Thursday after the second-year receiver said he «busted a play,» noting that Rodgers calmly explained what should've happened on the play.

Wide receiver Allen Lazard, another former Packer, said Rodgers is «opening his arms, putting his hand out, trying to help guys, trying to teach.»

«That's not to say he was hard to play with in Green Bay,» Lazard said. «He was a little more like, 'You have to pick it up.' He's a little bit slower here in realizing there's a lot of new players. He's taking his