Former Detroit Lions rival Aaron Rodgers, now with the New York Jets, is no longer a direct competitor in the NFC North. Without the Green Bay Packers-Lions rivalry weighing on him, Rodgers is sharing his candid thoughts about Detroit’s remarkable transformation.
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, December 4, Rodgers offered high praise for the Lions and their leadership.
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers Praises the Detroit Lions
On the show, Rodgers lauded Lions general manager Brad Holmes, head coach Dan Campbell, and owner Sheila Ford Hamp for orchestrating a dramatic turnaround. According to Rodgers, the Lions are legitimate Super Bowl contenders this season, and his admiration hints at a touch of envy for his former foes.
Rodgers recalled the Lions’ rough start under Campbell and Holmes in 2022, beginning the season 1-6. Despite the struggles, he highlighted Ford Hamp’s unwavering confidence in her coaching staff.
“Do you remember what the sentiment was from the organization? They said (Brad Holmes) is our GM and Dan (Campbell) is our head coach,” Rodgers shared. “Since that statement was made, they have won a crazy amount of games. They finished the 2022 season on a high at 9-8. They went 12-5 in 2023. They’re 11-1 this year, right? I can tell you, that’s not a coincidence.”
Rodgers credited that pivotal statement for the shift in Detroit’s culture.
“Because that’s the energy that goes around the building,” he explained, noting that when management stands by its staff amid challenges, it sets a powerful tone.
He emphasized the value of ownership ignoring outside noise and criticism.
“‘We believe in Dan Campbell. We believe in the GM. We believe in Jared Goff.’ Whatever the statement was, that goes a long way,” Rodgers said.
“To change a culture, to change a program takes time,” he continued. “It takes patience, and a lot of ownership around the league doesn’t have the patience to let that thing go through.”
What Rodgers’ Comments Mean for the Jets
Rodgers’ glowing remarks about the Lions may reveal more than just respect—it could reflect his frustrations with the Jets.
In a November 4 column for the New York Post, NFL analyst Ryan Dunleavy suggested Rodgers’ praise for Detroit “speaks volumes about the Jets’ disarray.”
Dunleavy speculated that Rodgers’ plans after this season could include stepping back to reflect on his future in football. He also hinted that the Jets might be headed for major changes, including a new head coach and general manager.
Currently, the Jets are 3-9 heading into Week 14, sitting behind the Dolphins and Bills in the AFC East. In stark contrast, the Lions boast an 11-1 record and lead the NFC North heading into their Thursday matchup against the Packers on December 5.
