Packers fans can only laugh at Aaron Rodgers 'unexcused' absence from Jets minicamp

Green Bay Packers fans will always love Aaron Rodgers for almost two decades of MVP-level play. He helped bring a Lombardi Trophy home and is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever do it.

Regardless of what some might say, Rodgers was a great teammate and leader during his Packers career.

However, it's also fair to say that Packers fans are relieved the offseason drama is gone. In Rodgers' final few seasons in Green Bay, there was an annual game of "Will he return?" or "Will he show up?"

Now, that's a New York Jets problem. The Packers have moved on to the Jordan Love era, and while everyone wishes Rodgers well with the Jets, they aren't surprised by the latest offseason drama.

Packers fans react as Aaron Rodgers no-shows Jets mandatory minicamp

The Jets kicked off their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, but they were without their Hall-of-Fame quarterback. Some players are excused by the team if they are unable to attend, but that's not the case with Rodgers. Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, Rodgers' absence from minicamp isn't excused. He is attending an event that is "important to him."

It's important to Rodgers but not something the Jets approved. That's notable.

Packers fans have reacted to the news, and it's fair to say nobody is surprised.

Perspective is required, of course. Rodgers attended the Jets' voluntary workouts. Missing two minicamp practices won't make or break their season. However, it's still an unusual development for a quarterback aiming to win it all as he nears the end of his career. The "event" was important enough for him to skip minicamp but not something the Jets were willing to excuse?

It's especially surprising after Rodgers' comments from January.

"Anything in this building that we're doing that has nothing to do with winning needs to be assessed. Everything that we do has to have a purpose," said Rodgers, via The Athletic. "The bullsh-t that has nothing to do with winning has to get out of the building."

Would skipping mandatory minicamp count as something that has "nothing to do with winning?" After all, it doesn't help the Jets with him not showing up. It likely won't hurt them much, but it still would've been beneficial to have him there. Every rep counts.

Rodgers will return for training camp and likely lead the Jets to a successful season, but it's still notable that he is absent.

For Packers fans, we're just happy to see our quarterback taking part in the entire offseason program.

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