Allen Lazard has spoken publicly about his decision to sign a long-term contract with the Jets.
The wide receiver told TMZ Sports that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, his former Green Bay teammate, was a «big reason» he decided to make the jump to New York.
Lazard is confident Rodgers will join him in New York before the 2023 season begins.
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after a play during a game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit on January 9, 2022. (Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
«There’s no concern on my part,» Lazard said of the Jets-Packers impasse. «Especially knowing that Aaron has his full commitment to be a New York Jet this year.»
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The day after the Jets and Lazard agreed to a contract, Rodgers appeared on «The Pat McAfee Show» and publicly announced his intentions to play in New York in 2023.
The Jets’ decision to hire former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett also played a role in Lazard’s decision to join the team.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) celebrates with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 25, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hackett resigned from his role as the Packers’ offensive coordinator following the 2021 season and was named head coach of the Denver Broncos.
He was fired during the 2022 season after a disappointing start in Denver.
Allen Lazard of the Green Bay Packers at halftime against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Lazard expressed his belief that, even at the age of 39, Rodgers can still play at an elite level.
He is also confident that Rodgers will help motivate the entire team, saying that Rodgers is a leader who can «light a lot of fire under» his teammates.
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After going undrafted in 2018, Lazard began his rookie season on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. The Packers finally signed him at the end of the season. The wide receiver became a full-time player in 2019 and has started 40 games over the past four seasons.