01 September 2023 , 12:50
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New York Giants star Sterling Shepard has taken exception to recent comments made by Aaron Rodgers.
The rivalry between the Giants and the New York Jets - who share a stadium - seems to have escalated in recent weeks. The arrival of Rodgers with the Jets may also have played a role, with the veteran quarterback showing his competitive side during the recent NFL pre-season game at the MetLife Stadium.
During one play, Rodgers had a confrontation with Giants linebacker Jihad Ward. The Jets quarterback ended up having the last word after completing a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, where he said “Don’t poke the bear” to the Giants star.
The Jets won the game 32-24 with Rodgers completing the one touchdown pass to Wilson. Shepard did not play in the game, having only played in the win over the Carolina Panthers over the course of pre-season.
After the game, Rodgers was on the sidelines where he appeared to say “JetLife Stadium” to fans in the stands. The comments from the 39-year-old came as he made his wife off the field at the end of the game.
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The Giants and the Jets have shared the same stadium since 1984, when the Jets moved into Giants Stadium. After that the teams moved into Metlife Stadium, the facility built on the same site as the old arena.
Rodgers’ comments were put to Giants star Shepard, and the wide receiver wasted no time in expressing his disagreement with the comments from the Jets quarterback.
“That’s what he called it? Jet Life Stadium?” told the New York Daily News. “I guess, if that’s how he’s feeling. If that’s how he feels then that’s cool.
“I don’t feel that way. Obviously. I mean, everybody is gonna pull for their squad, obviously.
“I feel like when we step on the turf that’s our home, we want to protect it. That’s what our job entails is to protect our home stadium.”
Rodgers is preparing for his first season with the Jets following his trade from the Green Bay Packers. The Jets will face AFC East divisional rivals the Buffalo Bills on Monday, September 11 in the Week One opener.
For Shepard and the Giants, their 2023 NFL regular season begins at home at the MetLife Stadium. Brian Daboll’s team will play NFC East divisional rivals the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 10 in the Week 1 opener.