‘More Fun Than I’ve Had’: Zach Wilson Discusses Addition Of Aaron Rodgers
Jun 9, 2023, 12:49 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – Jets quarterback Zach Wilson said he’s “having a ton of fun” and “more than I’ve had” since New York acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.
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Shortly before the 2023 NFL Draft in April, Rodgers was officially traded from the Packers to the Jets, a move that meant Wilson would serve as New York’s backup quarterback with a four-time MVP coming to town.
On Friday, June 9, the former BYU quarterback discussed the Jets’ addition of his NFL idol and what impact Rodgers has had on him since the future hall of famer’s arrival.
“I think right now, I’m having a ton of fun, more fun than I’ve had,” Wilson told reporters. “I think that’s just the QB room, being with Aaron. I think it’s feeling like every single day there’s so much to like learn.”
RELATED: Jets View Aaron Rodgers Trade As ‘Great Opportunity’ For Zach Wilson
"Right now, I'm having a ton of fun – more fun than I've had. That's the QB room, being with Aaron…every single day, there's so much to learn."
– Zach Wilson pic.twitter.com/xiT6CSTeUH
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 9, 2023
The former BYU star added that he feels like he learns 10 new things about playing the position every day.
Wilson said he was initially disappointed in the trade because it meant he wouldn’t “be the guy” starting at quarterback. However, Rodgers spent time with Wilson earlier in the offseason and the duo built on their relationship before becoming teammates.
RELATED: Aaron Rodgers Responds To Swag Critique From BYU QB Zach Wilson
“At first, you’re not always happy about that,” Wilson said of the deal. “But I’m extremely psyched that out of any quarterback we could’ve brought in, it was him.”
"Of course I would like to be the guy. At first, you're not always happy about that. But I'm extremely psyched that out of any QB we could've brought in, it was him."
Zach Wilson on the Jets' trade for Aaron Rodgers: pic.twitter.com/BdGAdmOdKb
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 9, 2023
Like Wilson, Rodgers told reporters that he’d been having “the most fun I’ve had in a while” since joining the Jets and working in the team’s offseason program.
“To work with Zach…has been a lot of fun,” Rodgers said.
"The last six weeks have been the most fun I've had in a while"
– Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/HCFT6GrcyT
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 9, 2023
In January and amid rumors that the Jets would look to add a veteran quarterback in the offseason, Wilson stated that he would work to “make that dude’s life hell in practice every day.”
RELATED: Jets’ Zach Wilson Enjoys ‘Fanboy’ Moment With Packers’ Aaron Rodgers
Fast forward to June and Wilson is now backing up the quarterback he’s idolized.
How will Zach Wilson react if the Jets sign a veteran quarterback?
"I'm going to make that dude's life hell in practice every day" pic.twitter.com/hy1IMJNB2a
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 9, 2023
On Friday, Rodgers responded to the comment Wilson made in January and said the soon-to-be third-year player has “been incredible.”
“He hasn’t made my life hell every day,” Rodgers said of Wilson.
Aaron Rodgers has jokes 😂 pic.twitter.com/jdQM5bXPFV
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 9, 2023
The former BYU standout also addressed his previous comment.
“He’s like double my age,” Wilson laughingly remarked. “I’m like, ‘You’re like my big brother I never had.’ Sometimes your little brother’s gotta make your life hell.”
Zach Wilson on the dynamic of his relationship with Aaron Rodgers, who is 16 years his senior: pic.twitter.com/4UYQa6EzaQ
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 9, 2023
Wilson, Rodgers, and the Jets will open their 2023 regular season schedule at home against the Buffalo Bills on Monday, September 11.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
