Future Hall of Famer QB Aaron Rodgers praises ex-Penn Stater before first NFL start

The New York Jets selected former Penn State football star left tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. But early in his NFL career, Fashanu has watched from the sidelines. That was until last Thursday night when the Patriots visited the Jets and starting right tackle Morgan Moses went down with an injury. From there Fashanu was inserted into the lineup and the former Nittany Lion is slated to make his first career start this Sunday. His quarterback Aaron Rodgers has full confidence in the rookie at right tackle.

One of the most impressive aspects of Olu Fashanu and his story was it was completely built by on-field play. From his first start against Arkansas in the 2022 Outback Bowl until his final game against Michigan State Fashanu’s career was built by outstanding play. He rarely allowed pressure and more importantly, rarely allowed any sacks.

This weekend he will get his first taste as an NFL starter for the New York Jets where he is slated to make his first career start at right tackle. That’s where we saw Fashanu play when he entered the game last Thursday for the injured Morgan Moses.

Aaron Rodgers gives Fashanu vote of confidence

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke to the media where he addressed Fashanu and his role on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Fashanu is the expected starter at right tackle this weekend.

“I don’t like to do a lot of comparisons, but I will in this case,” Rodgers said. From the beginning, I felt like he reminded me a lot of D’Brickashaw [Ferguson]. Personality-wise and then just the consistency. Obviously, I didn’t play with Brick, but I know people who did and I watched him from afar, and I always felt like he was just so consistent week in and week out.

“Like he wasn’t getting beat a lot, he was in the right place, he was good against the run game, he was good at pass blocking, and it’s just never been too big for Olu. I feel like he’s been consistent every day. If he makes a mistake, he doesn’t make a repeat mistake. His attitude, he’s very quiet, he just kind of goes about his business, so I think he’s in a good spot.

“Obviously, he’s played a lot of left tackle, but he’s played right tackle for us in training camp and on the look team the first three weeks, so I’m very confident in Olu.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned, community-operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.