- The Jets earned a 31-21 road victory over Payton’s Broncos team
- During the offseason, Payton was extremely critical of Hackett’s coaching.
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Injured New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was quick to show his love for Nathaniel Hackett after the offensive coordinator got the better of Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.
After the Jets’ 31-21 victory over the Broncos – in a game many had deemed the “Nathaniel Hackett bowl” – Rodgers took to X to pay tribute to his longtime coach in New York and Green Bay posting: “W. #hackett’ with a heart of love.
During the offseason, Broncos head coach Sean Payton caused a stir when he publicly disrespected Hackett for producing “one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history” during his stay in Denver.
Hackett spent last season as head coach of the Broncos, but was fired after 15 games as Denver finished the year with a disastrous 4-11 record.
Rodgers was one of Hackett’s biggest defenders when Payton’s comments first went viral and even went so far as to call him arguably his favorite coach he’s ever had in the NFL.
Injured Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was quick to shout out Nathaniel Hackett after their win over the Broncos
During the offseason, Broncos HC Sean Payton (right) said Hackett (left) had one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history with Denver.
Rodgers is currently rehabbing a torn Achilles. He suffered four games in his debut with the Jets.
The 39-year-old was not present for his team’s victory as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon.
Rodgers recently posted photos on Instagram of himself during rehab and was seen carefully putting weight on his injured Achilles tendon using crutches before the Jets’ game against the Kansas Chiefs City.
In the final moments of the match, camera crews filmed numerous players exchanging hugs with Hackett and showing excitement about getting revenge on their coach.
Hackett was also photographed celebrating with offensive tackle Mehki Becton as the two left the field together after the game.
During the week, Jets center Conor McGovern said he wanted “reward” for comments about Hackett and it’s more than safe to assume others in the locker room echoed that feeling.
“He was thrown under the bus — and then they tried to drag him under the bus,” McGovern told ESPN, indirectly referencing Hackett’s critics, including Payton.
“From the start, we wanted to rally behind him. He’s such a good guy.
