Nick Bawden became the answer to a New York Jets trivia question on Wednesday.
He will be forever known as the player the Jets cut to make room for quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the active roster.
Wednesday was the deadline for the Jets to make a decision on Rodgers, who’s been rehabbing his surgically repaired Achilles tendon, injured four plays into their season opener on Sept. 11.
But even though he’s been activated off injured reserve, Jets coach Robert Saleh said the team has no intention of playing Rodgers this season.
So, Bawden, a fullback who appeared in all 14 games on special teams, became the sacrificial Jet, released so that Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, could continue practicing with the team.
For Rodgers, the decision not to play came down to the Jets’ playoff hopes and his health, and the Jets (5-9) have been eliminated from playoff contention with three weeks to go.
Related: New York Jets’ embarrassing loss assures Aaron Rodgers won’t return this season
Social media abuzz about Nick Bawden
Fans on social media rallied in support of Bawden over what they perceived as a “selfish” move by the 40-year-old Rodgers, taking over a roster spot with no intention of playing.
Related: Aaron Rodgers leaves door open to many more seasons with Jets
Nick Bawden’s time with the Jets
The Detroit Lions drafted Bawden in the seventh round out of San Diego State in 2018. But he suffered an ACL tear during OTAs and missed the 2018 season. He then spent about three years on injured before the Lions waived him in 2021.
The Jets signed Nick Bawden to the practice squad that September and then activated later in the season. He spent most of the next year on injured reserve again, but the Jets resigned him in March, and he’s been active all season.
While playing on special teams, Nick Bawden also saw a little time on the Jets’ offense. On his first NFL carry, Nick Bawden scored his first and only NFL touchdown on a 1-yard run in a 15-10 loss to New England on Sept. 24. Overall, Bawden finished with two carries for two yards and two receptions for 13.
But now, Bawden, 27, is a free agent, released so that Rodgers could practice and get some much-needed reps in ahead of the 2024 season.