By Blessing 
# Former Lions DC Aaron Glenn Handled Aaron Rodgers Exactly as Expected
When Aaron Glenn accepted the head coaching job with the New York Jets, there was one major question everyone knew he’d have to confront right away: What’s the deal with Aaron Rodgers?
True to his reputation, Glenn wasted no time addressing it.
Back when he was still coordinating the Detroit Lions defense, Glenn was known for being direct, decisive, and not one to play political games. So when he stepped into his new role in New York, it was no surprise that he made it clear early on he was going to handle the “Rodgers situation” head-on.
FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer shared a key piece of insight from Glenn on the day of the NFC Championship Game:
“I plan to go meet with Aaron Rodgers & will definitely come up with a decision much sooner than later. I don’t wanna drag this out,” Glenn told him.
It was clear Glenn had no intention of tiptoeing around Rodgers or letting the uncertainty linger. The Jets needed clarity, and Glenn wasn’t about to let the offseason stall. Anyone familiar with his work in Detroit could have predicted this. Glenn calls things as he sees them, and if you were reading the tea leaves, it was already obvious that the Jets were likely moving on from Rodgers.
No Surprises Here: Glenn Was Glenn
Rodgers recently emerged from his usual media quiet zone to appear on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he opened up about his meeting with Glenn and Jets GM Darren Mougey. His retelling of the encounter? Awkward, abrupt, and—at least from his side—pretty unexpected.
“The confusing thing and the strange thing was, ‘When I went out there — I meet with the coach, we start talking, he runs out of the room.’ I’m like, ‘That’s kinda strange.’ Then he comes back with the GM,” Rodgers explained.
“So we sit down in the office, and I think we’re going to have this long conversation. I’ve flown across the country, and 20 seconds in, he goes—literally, I’m talking to the GM about something and he (Glenn) leans to the edge of his seat and goes, ‘So do you want to play football?’”
“And I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m interested.’ And he said, ‘We’re going in a different direction at quarterback.’”
Rodgers admitted the moment caught him off guard—not because he didn’t think a breakup was possible, but because of the way it was delivered.
“I was kinda shocked. I’m not shocked because I didn’t think that was a possibility. Listen, of course, if they want to move on, that’s totally fine. But shocked because I just flew across the country. You could’ve told me this on the phone.”
Fair point? Maybe. But it also feels like one of those “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situations. Had the Jets told him over the phone, he might’ve blasted them for not showing him enough respect to say it face-to-face.
Rodgers also expressed disappointment in what he perceived as a missed opportunity to have a real conversation—something more than just a quick status update.
“Why would you not pick my brain?” Rodgers said. “I’m there to talk to you about the team, about things that I think can get better and things that are good and players that have leadership possibilities and anything. I’ve been in the league 20 years. Any type of conversation. There was none.”
It’s clear Rodgers expected more: more dialogue, more involvement, maybe even some validation of his experience. What he got instead was cold, quick, and decisive. It stung.
But here’s the thing—none of this is surprising for those who know Aaron Glenn.
Glenn Doesn’t Sugarcoat
Glenn has always carried himself with a no-nonsense attitude. He’s respected by former players and peers for his honesty and ability to get straight to the point. He doesn’t waste words, and he certainly doesn’t care for special treatment—no matter who’s sitting across the table.
So when Glenn told Rodgers the Jets were going a different direction at quarterback, it wasn’t some shocking twist. It was Aaron Glenn being exactly who he’s always been. To fans in Detroit, to media who’ve covered him, and to players who’ve played under him, this was all textbook Glenn.
Rodgers might have expected a different approach—one that acknowledged his Hall of Fame resume or gave him more of a voice—but Glenn wasn’t playing that game. He gave Rodgers the answer, straight up, just like he always has with everyone else.
In the end, Aaron Glenn did exactly what anyone who’s followed his career thought he would do. No fluff. No dragging things out. No bending the knee.
And that’s exactly why he’s respected.