Aaron Rodgers paid for food… and sparked a silent war

Aaron Rodgers is fully focused on his current role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his past with the New York Jets refuses to stay quiet. A story that seemed buried has resurfaced with force. It involves a five-figure gesture the quarterback made during his time in New York—one that, according to Essentially Sports, triggered internal tension with team owner Woody Johnson.

Back in 2024, the Jets provided food trucks during weekly practices, a modest perk that quickly became a locker room favorite. When Johnson decided to cut the service for budget reasons, Aaron Rodgers didn’t make a public fuss. He simply paid $10,000 out of pocket to keep the trucks running. What many saw as a leadership move, Johnson reportedly viewed as defiance—a subtle but deliberate challenge to his authority, wrapped in generosity.

An unofficial story

Though the story hasn’t been officially confirmed, it fits the pattern of friction between Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ front office. In August, during an interview with Michael Silver of The Athletic, Rodgers delivered a thinly veiled critique. “Nowadays, some owners rush to make changes. But when you have the right culture… the one thing that should never change is the person leading from the front.” No translation needed.

Jets scoop (this is not a bit and actually a real
story)

-Jets had food trucks at practice in 24’ each Friday. Woody cut costs and stopped it

-Rodgers decided to pay the ~$10k out of his own pocket

-Woody was pissed Rodgers went behind his back and undermined him pic.twitter.com/XfjzL6bGH8

— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) October 19, 2025

Aaron Rodgers drew a sharp contrast between the Steelers’ stability and the Jets’ volatility. Since 1969, Pittsburgh has had only three head coaches. The Packers, where Rodgers won a Super Bowl, have had just two since 2006. Meanwhile, Johnson has cycled through 12 coaches and executives since acquiring the Jets in 2000, earning a reputation for impulsive decisions.

Thriving in Pittsburgh

Today, Aaron Rodgers is leading the Steelers at the top of the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Jets are mired in one of their worst stretches. After a 13–6 loss to the Panthers in Week 7, Johnson’s team sits at 0–7, including 0–5 at home. It’s only the third time in 65 years the Jets have started a season with seven straight losses. New head coach Aaron Glenn is already part of the record books—but not for the right reasons.

Fan frustration is palpable. MetLife Stadium, which holds over 82,000 people, looked half-empty. Boos echoed throughout the game, aimed at both coaching decisions and player performance. While Aaron Rodgers shines in Pittsburgh, the Jets are still searching for answers. And yes, it all started with a few food trucks.