Broncos head coach Sean Payton badmouths predecessor and Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in a sweeping attack. Aaron Rodgers can’t let this go uncommented on.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been anything but positive about predecessor Nathaniel Hackett.

“Obviously, many share the blame for last year’s performance, but the coaching staff’s performance was one of the worst I’ve ever seen in NFL history (…) Everything I’ve heard about last year … we’re going to do the opposite,” he found clear words in an interview with “USA Today Sports”.

Shortly afterwards, Payton apologised, but Aaron Rodgers did not want to let the Broncos head coach’s controversial statements go uncommented so easily.

A-Rod, who has worked with Hackett in Green Bay, sharply criticised Payton and defended his offensive coordinator Hackett.

“Yes, I love Nathaniel Hackett, and those comments were very surprising – that a coach would say that about another coach,” he explained on “NFL+”.

He continued, “I think it was completely out of line, uncalled for, and I don’t think he should be saying my coach’s name anymore. “

Rodgers doesn’t understand Payton

That Rodgers thinks highly of Hackett is no secret. “My love for Hack runs deep, we had some great years together in Green Bay,” the 39-year-old further explained.

“We’ve stayed in touch, I love him and his family, he’s an incredible family man and father. And on the field, he’s probably my favourite coach in the NFL. Just his approach – he makes it fun. Also how he takes care of the guys, how he approaches it with respect, with leadership, honesty and integrity,” Rodgers raved.

Excuse for poor Broncos performance?

In addition, the Jets quarterback hinted Payton could be making an excuse with his comments should the Broncos perform similarly poorly again next season.

“It doesn’t make me feel good when a guy like Payton, who’s accomplished a lot in the league, is so rattled that he has to put another guy down to set himself up should things not go well for his team next year.”

Jets and Broncos meet in Denver in Week 5