Aaron Rodgers is so impressed by Garrett Wilson that he said the Jets’ second-year wideout shares some special qualities with star receiver Davante Adams.
The 39-year-old Jets quarterback spoke with NBC’s Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth during the Hall of Fame Game broadcast on Thursday when he made the comparison, echoing similar comments he made previously about the young receiver.
Wilson, 23, is coming off a season in which he was the NFL‘s Offensive Rookie of the Year after making 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns.
“Garrett, he’s a special talent,” Rodgers said during the interview. “I mean Garrett, what an amazing kid. I have so much love and respect for Davante [Adams], and feel like he’s the best receiver in the league, so I don’t say this lightly, but there are definitely traits that this 17 has that that special 17 has as well.”
Rodgers would know better than almost anyone when it comes to Adams, 30, having played eight seasons together in Green Bay.
Adams caught reeled in 622 receptions and 69 touchdowns over 108 games with Rodgers as the two formed a potent combo with the Packers.
camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on July 26, 2023.
Rodgers said Wilson might not be at Adams’ level just yet, but he still has the skills to remain an elite player.
“I’m not going to put him in that category yet because Davante is in a category by himself, but Garrett has the potential to really be special in this league for a long time,” Rodgers continued. “Because he’s got all right things you need. He’s got incredible talent, he’s got a great work ethic and he’s a freakin great kid. He really is a good human being. He cares about it, carries himself the right way.
“Carries himself like a seasoned vet, but he’s got a humility that you love to see from a young player.”
Wilson is dealing with a low ankle sprain and did not participate in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Browns.
Game against the Browns at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium
on Aug. 3, 2023, in Canton, Ohio.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh did indicate Wilson should be ready to practice by Saturday.
Last week, Rodgers likened Wilson to Adams during a media session, and Wilson told reporters that the veteran receiver had been someone he watched growing up.
“He was my favorite receiver growing up,” Wilson said, according to ESPN. “When you’re a young kid, you don’t really realize it, but you’re trying to steal something from everyone’s game, whether it’s OBJ or Davante or Stefon Diggs.
“I try to take a lot of things from what he [Adams] did well, but, man, he’s special. You can see the lab work that he puts in throughout the offseason. It’s special to watch. I’ve got a long way to go before I get to that point.”