Evan came away from Aaron Rodgers’ comments giddy about the future of the Jets, but Tiki came away impressed with the future Hall of Famer’s ability to “manipulate” the minds of Jets fans.
“This started way back in the summer, and I still believe it. Maybe even stronger now,” Tiki said. “That man is the greatest manipulator of mind that I have ever heard.
“He may believe what he’s saying. It may be exactly what his thought process is, but it just sounds emotionless. He’s leaving it to us to interpret what he means and how passionate he is. It’s brilliant. It’s so flat, you can read it however you want.”
Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show that he intends to play beyond 2024, which Evan celebrated. Tiki, as an objective listener, wasn’t as giddy.
“As a non-Jet fan, you go ‘That’s nonsense, don’t get fooled by that.’ Jets fans, you hear the exact same words, and you hear it as, ‘Dude, he’s coming back! We got him forever! This is amazing!’” Tiki said. “I’m not even being facetious. I’m being for real. His delivery of the routine, the way he presents it, makes it so open for interpretation that you can take out of it whatever you want to take out of it.”
Morash contributed to Tiki’s argument by explaining his reaction to Rodgers’ comments, as he came away believing he is only standing by Robert Saleh because he wants to maintain the status quo of Rodgers running the show, not because he actually believes in his ability as a head coach. Tiki says that was one of many ways that Rodgers made Jets fans celebrate with just a few emotionless remarks.
“I’m not saying it’s intentional,” Tiki said. “It’s just genius how he does it…he’s making you and other Jets fans believe when there is no reason to.”
