In June, Aaron Rodgers skipped the New York Jets’ obligatory minicamp, which head coach Robert Saleh considered a “unexcused absence.” Rodgers was on a pre-planned vacation to Egypt, which explains why he did not turn up.

The 40-year-old former NFL MVP, who’s starting his second season with the Jets, originally planned his trip during in the midst of recovery from his 2023 Achilles tear, according to Connor Hughes, giving himself “something to look forward to during one of the lowest points of his career.” Rodgers, who has already traveled internationally, appears to have “long admired Egyptian culture.”

Hughes, the former Green Bay Packers signal-caller, anticipated the Jets’ offseason programming would be over by the time he arrived to Egypt. The team was informed of the scheduling overlap when it confirmed its minicamp dates (June 11-12). At the outset of camp, Saleh abruptly alerted media of Rodgers’ absence, explaining only that the quarterback was attending an important personal event.

Woody Johnson, the team’s owner, later dismissed Rodgers’ absence, pointing out that the 2023 trade acquisition was in nearly full attendance at New York’s optional spring practices prior to minicamp.

Multiple Jets players have since told SNY they had “zero issue with Rodgers missing minicamp,” citing the Pro Bowler’s participation in organized team activities. The Jets, however, are said to have revealed Rodgers’ absence in this manner because they “did not want to set a precedent for players missing mandatory workouts for pre-planned trips.” Rodgers is slated to return for the start of 2024 training camp; rookies arrive on July 18, followed by veterans on July 23.