Jets' Aaron Rodgers rips critics - Not my idea to be activated - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, miffed that «conspiracy theorists» are portraying him as selfish for taking up a roster spot even though he's not playing, said Tuesday that it wasn't his idea to be activated from injured reserve.

Rodgers, in his weekly appearance on «The Pat McAfee Show,» said the Jets' organization wanted him on the 53-man roster so he could keep practicing with the team despite being ruled out due to his surgically repaired Achilles. Rodgers said he would've been content to finish the season on IR.

By activating him, the Jets had to release another player — veteran fullback Nick Bawden, who later returned to the team on the practice squad.

«I assumed I was going to go on IR,» said Rodgers, who announced Dec. 19 that his 2023 comeback bid was over. «I asked to be put on IR, but then there was a conversation, 'Do you want to practice?' I said not at the expense of somebody getting cut. I know how this works.

»I didn't feel like I needed to practice to continue my rehab. I could do on-the-field stuff on the side, but, obviously, I got overruled there. It is what it is. This was an interesting situation."

Rodgers' 21-day practice window closed on Dec. 20. At that point, the Jets had to make a decision: Leave him on IR (no practice allowed) or activate him to the roster. They went the unconventional route, adding him to the roster while acknowledging there was no chance he'd play in a game.

«I called Nick right away,» Rodgers said. «I just said, 'Hey, I hope you know this isn't coming from me. I asked to be put on IR.' He actually said, 'Hey, look, I'm vested. I'm getting my money. I'm fine.'»

As a vested veteran, Bawden's $1.1 million salary is guaranteed because he was on the