NFL: Aaron Rodgers reveals his love for MTV’s Jersey Shore at second day of practice at Jets’ OTAs

Aaron Rodgers has expressed his love for MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore’, with the quarterback further revealing that he once saw a DJ Pauly D set in Las Vegas, as he raved about his ‘dream month’  following a trade completion to New York in April.

On Tuesday, after the second day of the Jets’ OTAs, Rodgers, 39, said: ‘I was walking out to practice today and the media’s here always doing little videos and different things. And the video was some do your best Jersey Shore impression and I just kind of laughed to it. 

‘And then [Jets tight end] C.J. Uzomah was walking next to me and he said he never watched the show. I said, ”how can you not watch the show?!” 

‘It’s one of the greatest shows back when MTV used to actually have content on it. It’s phenomenal. 

‘But I’m a fan of all of them,’ added the four-time NFL MVP on Jersey Shore’s cast. ‘I actually went to a Pauly D set back in [Las] Vegas, back when I used to go there a few times a year, back in like 2011 or something.’

Aaron Rodgers revealed that he once went to a DJ Pauly D (top row, middle) show in Las Vegas 

The 2011 Super Bowl (XLV) champion, acquired last month from Green Bay, strained a calf while participating in conditioning drills earlier on Tuesday. Rodgers watched quarterback drills and remained on the field during practice, but was without his helmet and threw no passes. 

‘I don’t think it’s too serious,’ Rodgers said, downplaying the injury and saying he took ‘a vet day.’

He didn’t have a noticeable limp, but stretched his lower legs and ankles several times throughout the practice. Rodgers, who wasn’t wearing a wrap on either calf while he stood at the podium and spoke to reporters, was uncertain when the injury occurred.

‘I dunno,’ he said with a smile. ‘Just running, I guess.’

Organized team activities began Monday and Rodgers participated in practice, with the Jets tweeting photos and videos of the quarterback throwing passes. 

The session Tuesday marked the first with media in attendance, and a few dozen reporters showed up to watch Rodgers practice with the Jets for the first time.

‘It was surreal, for sure, and strange to look at my locker and see the No. 8, and to be rocking Jets gear is a little bit strange, for sure,’ Rodgers said. ‘But every day, there’s been something that’s kind of been a little special sign or a synchronicity or just a cool moment that reminds me that I’m in the right place.’ 

The veteran added that he is excited to arrive at the Jets facilities every day since his trade

The veteran added that he is excited to arrive at the Jets facilities every day since his trade

The 39-year-old quarterback was seen standing off to one side watching practice on Tuesday

The 39-year-old quarterback was seen standing off to one side watching practice on Tuesday 

Rodgers has also liked getting to know his new surroundings – from taking in Knicks and Rangers playoff games to learning where he can find the team’s mail room.

He also joked the only things he previously knew about New Jersey were Teterboro Airport and ‘Jersey Shore’ – a reality TV series that ran on MTV from 2009 to 2012. The series follows the lives of eight housemates at a vacation home in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

‘I was assured that was not a proper representation of this great state,’ a grinning Rodgers said before later adding: ‘I mean, it’s been like a dream month so far.’ 

With the Jets, Rodgers is reunited with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who led the Packers’ offense during the quarterback’s last two MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021. 

Rodgers (No. 8) performs stretching drills as head coach Robert Saleh, center, looks on

Rodgers (No. 8) performs stretching drills as head coach Robert Saleh, center, looks on

There are also several other familiar faces on the field with Rodgers, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb and offensive lineman Billy Turner. But Rodgers is also building a rapport with many new players and helping Hackett install the offense. 

‘I really wanted to be around, at least for some of the beginning things, to just let them know kind of how I like to do things,’ Rodgers said. ‘Some of the code words, some of the little adjustments, some of the ways I see the game – just sparking the conversation.’

Rodgers’ presence has fired up many of his new teammates, who acknowledged being a bit starstruck when the quarterback first arrived.

‘It’s lit, man,’ cornerback D.J. Reed said of the energy around the team.

Saleh has particularly enjoyed watching Rodgers work and interact with the players and coaches.

‘It’s been cool,’ Saleh said. ‘I joke around that he’s closer to a coach than he is a player at this point of his career. He’s a fantastic mind, he’s a fantastic conversation. It’s been all positive.’

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