The New York Jets offensive battery is hugging it out.
There have been multiple instances during training camp practices when quarterback Aaron Rodgers visibly voiced his displeasure toward center Joe Tippmann, who has lacked accuracy on his snaps. Despite the perceived on-field tension, there's no hard feeling between the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback and the second-year center.
"He still loves me. He hugs me before practice, so we're still on good terms. The snap thing, it's something we've been working on. Just need to be a little more consistent with it," said Rodgers after Wednesday's practice in Florham Park.
The 40-year-old Rodgers didn't have the benefit of working much with Tippmann on the quarterback-center exchange in 2023. Tippmann made his first four NFL starts at right guard before claiming the center spot seven weeks into the season. Even with only 10 career professional starts at the position, the young center has shown enough to earn the respect of Rodgers.
"A guy like Joe Tippmann, he has the ability to play a long time in this league at center. He's got a chance to be an All-Pro, I think," said Rodgers. "If he's snapping the ball a little wayward from time to time, he can take it. He can take me jumping his ass a little bit and getting on him. Sometimes, you need to do that."
With Rodgers back at the controls after fully recovering from Achilles surgery, the four-time NFL MVP has been holding his teammates up to a certain "standard."
"I think I'm a little bit more tempered than I was when I was a younger player. Fuse is a little bit longer. You can't coach everyone the same way," said Rodgers.
When it comes to Tippmann, Rodgers has apparently taken a tough-love approach.
"Joe Tippmann is a real easy going guy who can take some hard coaching. If you watch [offensive line coach] Keith [Carter], and the way he gets after those guys, Joe always responds well to that. He responds well to me," said Rodgers.
