Ryan Clark is absolutely tired of Aaron Rodgers.
The former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst branded the Jets’ starting quarterback a “fraud” during an on-air discussion Friday on “First Take”
Clark’s damning assessment arrived after Rodgers accused ESPN analysts of making outlandish statements to stay relevant, a comment made by the one-time Super Bowl Champion earlier this week on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“I’m talking about these experts on TV who nobody remembers what they did in their career,” Rodgers said on the show this week. “So in order for them to stay relevant, they have to make comments that keep them in the conversation. That wasn’t going on in 2008, 2009. The ‘SportsCenter’ of my youth, those guys made highlights so much fun. And that’s what they showed on ‘SportsCenter.’
“Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now and they believe they’re the celebrities now, they’re the stars for just being able to talk about sports or give a take about sports, many of which are unfounded or asinine, as we all know. But that’s the environment we’re in now.”
On Friday, Clark did not hold back, calling out Rodgers for hypocrisy.
“The reason you’re getting the opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you— exactly like the people you’re calling out,” Clark said.
He added: “This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud. He acts like he’s above everybody and everything.”
Clark also found irony in Rodgers making his comments on McAfee’s show, in particular.
McAfee’s show notably airs on ESPN.
“I find it extremely funny that he’s saying this on a show with a man, who as great as he was as a punter, is far more famous as a pundit in Pat McAfee,” Clark said.
“Actually, Aaron Rodgers you’re being paid to be on that show to give your thoughts and opinions as a personality,” Clark said. “And don’t get me wrong, he is not just to me a first-ballot Hall of Famer, he is one of the best and most talented quarterbacks to ever play this game and he ain’t no more.
Clark added, “And his problem is … people are willing to say it.”
This is not the first time Clark has criticized Rodgers publicly either.
In October, Clark questioned Rodgers’ leadership, stating, “Rodgers has all the talent in the world, but he’s devoid of the great leadership ability that elevates a locker room.”
The exchange with Clark highlights the ongoing scrutiny Rodgers has faced during his tenure with the Jets.
Rodgers and the Jets will face the Jaguars on Sunday in a battle of 3-10 teams.
