What Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett told Zach Wilson before he replaced Aaron Rodgers following Achilles injury

In a crucial moment during Monday night’s game, Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett provided Zach Wilson with some motivating words. This occurred on the same night that the team lost star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending Achilles injury.

Zach Wilson, who was initially slated as Rodgers’ backup, was unexpectedly thrust into action during the first quarter of the season opener against the Bills, following Rodgers’ Achilles injury just four plays into the game.

In a recently revealed video clip from “Inside the NFL,” Hackett, who assumed the role of Jets offensive coordinator in January and previously worked with Rodgers in Green Bay, offered Wilson some sage advice on the sidelines. He said, “Don’t ever get too high, don’t ever get too low … alright, breathe, relax and play your game.” The exact timing of this exchange is unclear.

Wilson’s performance during the Jets’ 22-16 overtime victory against the Bills was a mixed one, completing 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh, confirming the team’s decision, announced on Tuesday that they will be sticking with the 24-year-old Wilson going forward. Saleh emphatically stated, “Zach’s our quarterback. We have a lot of faith in Zach. We’re rolling with Zach and excited for him.” While the Jets will explore adding another quarterback to the roster, Saleh made it clear that there won’t be a competition for the starting position. He firmly reiterated, “Under no circumstances is any of this a competition. This is Zach’s team, and we’re rolling with Zach.”

Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, began this season as a mentee to his childhood idol, Aaron Rodgers, before the unexpected turn of events.