Zach Wilson 'very appreciative' of having Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets

Though supplanted by Aaron Rodgers as QB1 for the New York Jets, Zach Wilson has been enjoying his time getting to learn from the four-time NFL MVP.

“It’s interesting, right? Of course I wish things had gone differently the past two years and I would’ve played amazing,” Wilson said Friday, via NFL.com. “But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Aaron knows this, but he’s someone I’ve looked up to since I can remember playing football. So, I’m very appreciative of him and how much he is willing to help me because he really doesn’t need to be that vocal.

“He honestly truly is an amazing friend, and obviously such an amazing quarterback, so I am learning a lot of football. Not just from him, but [offensive coordinator Nathaniel] Hackett, [passing game coordinator Todd] Downing, our whole offensive staff. I’ve been really enjoying it.”

Wilson, New York’s second overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft out of BYU, struggled mightily during his first two seasons in the league. Wilson compiled an 8-14 record in 22 starts, throwing for 4,022 yards with 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. The Jets responded by making a trade with the Green Bay Packers to acquire Rodgers, whom New York hopes can be the answer to its long time quarterback problem.

Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson getting along well during OTAs

Though he was brought in to replace Wilson, Rodgers said he’s gotten along great with the 23-year-old.

“He’s been incredible. He hasn’t made my life hell every day,” Rodgers said. “He’s been a joy to work with, and I give him so much credit because it’s a tough situation. What he went through, the frustration last year. Probably a lot of the words he heard from people and if he’s checking social media … that can be tough sometimes to deal with that. I think as a young player, the confidence is so important.

“So, my job, Hack’s job, Rob’s job, Todd’s job, is just to continue to encourage him and help him build that confidence back up. But I think if he can step back and look at what he’s accomplished this offseason and see where he’s at from the first day I got here, which wasn’t the first day, to this last day, I think he’s done incredibly well. The key for him is just growth and learning, and then kind of building everything back up. I think we stripped down some of his fundamentals, and I think you’ve seen him throw the ball on time and make accurate throws and make good decisions, I love it.