New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is embracing a reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers following Hackett’s brief stint with the Denver Broncos.
“It’s not about me. It isn’t,” Hackett told NFL Network personality Peter Schrager during an appearance on “The Season” podcast, as shared by Nick Shook of the league’s website. “The only thing I would say that it is about me is I just want to be the best version of myself.”
Hackett served as Rodgers’ offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers from 2019 through the 2021 season and helped the future Hall of Famer earn NFL Most Valuable Player honors for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns. Denver hired Hackett as its new head coach in January 2022 but fired him this past December when he held a record of 4-11.
A Jets team looking for an upgrade at quarterback hired Hackett in January, and he later helped his new employer land Rodgers in a trade. Hackett suggested he’s more worried about Rodgers guiding the Jets to wins than about enjoying any redemption tour following a failed run with the Broncos.
“I just want to see Aaron play some of the best football he’s ever played in his career,” Hackett explained. “That was something that was so fun to be a part of when we were at Green Bay, and I want to see him get to where he wants to be, accomplish what he wants to accomplish.”
Hackett admitted in May there will be “some growing pains” as the honeymoon period between Rodgers and his new teammates fades away. The coordinator also believes he knows how to ensure the four-time NFL MVP will get the most out of New York’s offense this fall.
“I think there’s going to be some freedom with Aaron, and as we moved forward in the Green Bay system, there was definitely more freedom as we went,” Hackett remarked. “We’re just gonna continue that because you’ve got to take advantage of a guy like Aaron that is so smart and understands it.”
Rodgers turns 40 years old this December and has interests away from football, so he theoretically could retire as soon as next winter. Thus, Hackett and other members of the Jets must welcome a “win now” mentality heading into training camp practices.
