Aaron Rodgers celebrates Nathaniel Hackett beating Sean Payton as the Jets OC gets revenge on Denver Broncos HC in 31-21 win

Injured New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was quick to show his love for Nathaniel Hackett after the offensive coordinator got one up on Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.

Following the Jets’ 31-21 win over the Broncos – in a game many had deemed the ‘Nathaniel Hackett bowl’ – Rodgers took to X to pay tribute to his long-time coach in New York and Green Bay by posting: ‘W. #hackett’ along with a love heart. 

During the offseason, Broncos head coach Sean Payton caused a massive stir when he publicly disrespected Hackett for producing ‘one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL’ during his time with Denver.

Hackett spent last season as head coach of the Broncos but was fired after 15 games as Denver ended the year with a disastrous 4-11 record.

Rodgers was one of Hackett’s biggest defenders when Payton’s comments first went viral and even went as far as to call him arguably his favorite coach he’s ever had in the NFL.

During the offseason Broncos HC Sean Payton (right) said Hackett (left) had produced one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history with Denver

Rodgers is currently out rehabbing a torn Achillies he suffered four plays into his Jets debut

The 39-year-old was not in attendance for his team’s win as he continues to work on recovering from a torn Achilles.

Rodgers recently posted pictures on Instagram of himself during rehab and was seen gingerly putting weight on his injured Achilles with the assistance of crutches before the Jets’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the closing moments of the game, camera crews caught loads of players exchanging hugs with Hackett and showing their excitement to get some revenge for their coach.

Hackett was also pictured celebrating with offensive tackle Mehki Becton as the two walked off the field together following the game.

During the week Jets center Conor McGovern said he wanted ‘payback’ for the comments about Hackett and it is more than safe to assume others in the locker room echoed that sentiment.

‘He got thrown under the bus – and then they tried to drag him under the bus,’ McGovern told ESPN, indirectly referring to Hackett’s critics, including Payton. 

‘We wanted to rally around him from the start. He’s such a good guy.