Aaron Rodgers calls Sean Payton 'insecure' for Nathaniel Hackett criticism

Aaron Rodgers did not hold back when responding to Sean Payton’s comments on Nathaniel Hackett’s tenure as Denver Broncos head coach.

Rodgers and Hackett have history together in Green Bay — and have had immense success together as quarterback and offensive coordinator. It’s no surprise the former NFL MVP defended his coach.

“I love Nathaniel Hackett, and those comments were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach,” Rodgers told Peter Schrager on NFL+. “My love for Hack goes deep, you know, we had some great years together in Green Bay,” Rodgers said. “[We] kept in touch, I love him and his family, he’s an incredible family man and an incredible dad.

“And on the field, he is arguably my favorite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL. Just his approach to it, how he makes it fun. How he cares about the guys — just how he goes about his business with respect, with leadership, with honesty, with integrity.”

Earlier this week, Payton ripped Hackett for the job he did during his tenure as Broncos head coach — which lasted less than a full regular season. Quarterback Russell Wilson had career-low numbers and nothing seemed to click for an offense that many believed had potential to win more than the five games that they did.

Still, Rodgers isn’t excusing Payton for making his feelings public despite the new Broncos coach apologizing after the fact. Payton blamed it on having his reporting hat on, as he provided analysis to games on FOX since leaving the New Orleans Saints. Still, his words have carried weight and it offended Rodgers, who has always been close to Hackett.

“It made me feel that bad that someone (Payton) who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,” Rodgers said. “I thought it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coach’s name out of his mouth.”

The Jets and the Broncos will match up in Denver on Oct. 8, and Payton’s comments will certainly resurface as a form of motivation for Hackett, Rodgers and the rest of New York’s squad. The Jets have opened as a one-point betting favorite, per Vegas Insider, despite having to travel to Mile High.