NFL Referee Struggles to Contain Laughter at Aaron Rodgers Call
NFL refs are known for staying stone-faced while doing their jobs on the field, but one moment involving quarterback Aaron Rodgers during Sunday's game between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills led referee Clete Blakeman to break character.
During the third quarter of the game, Rodgers threw an interception caught by Bills cornerback Christian Benford. After Benford was run out of bounds, Rodgers pushed him to the ground, resulting in an unnecessary roughness call from the referee. Given the unusual nature of a quarterback earning such a penalty, the ref almost couldn't believe what he was saying as he announced it.
"After the play, personal foul, unnecessary roughness," Blakeman began before smiling and seemingly holding back a chuckle. "Offense, number 8. Fifteen yard penalty... First down, Buffalo."
CBS Sports commentators were surprised Rodgers received the penalty and noted that Blakeman laughed as he delivered the call. Rodgers himself even got a kick out of it as the camera panned to the quarterback smiling on the sidelines.
Christian Benford with the Bills' second pick of the day
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024
????: #NYJvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
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The ref laughed and Aaron Rodgers laughed at the reality of a quarterback getting hit with an unnecessary roughness penalty. pic.twitter.com/NBu5aGmBwP https://t.co/uTTtd48Rf6
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 29, 2024
This year marks Rodgers' first full season as a New York Jets quarterback after suffering an Achilles injury just four plays into his first game last year, coincidentally also against the Buffalo Bills. It hasn't exactly been a triumphant season for the team and certainly has been an underwhelming performance for Rodgers, particularly after he spoke of taking the Jets to multiple Super Bowls before his tenure began. Their loss to the Bills yesterday brings their current season record to 4 and 12.
Related: Aaron Rodgers Shuts Down Rumors He Got Robert Saleh Fired
The Jets are set to kick off the year against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5.