Aaron Rodgers goes full Will Smith on 'insecure' Broncos coach Sean Payton as he defends Nathaniel Hackett

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Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has already done his share of endearing himself to Gang Green, but continued in that vein Sunday, going scorched earth on Broncos coach Sean Payton. 

The new Broncos coach shocked the NFL world with a brutal assessment of last season's regime in Englewood, taking a direct shot at Rodgers' current offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett during an interview with USA Today. 

Hackett, of course, was the head coach in Denver until he was fired on December 26 after going 4-11 notwithstanding huge preseason expectations. Payton described Hackett's tenure as 'one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history.'

Meanwhile, Rodgers has spoken glowingly about Hackett and reiterated he was a pivotal factor in his decision to request a trade to New York. 

He showed support for his OC once again, this time during an interview on NFL+, which included some choice words for Payton.

Aaron Rodgers went scorched earth on Broncos coach Sean Payton on NFL+ after practice

Rodgers labeled Payton as 'insecure' and accused him of setting himself up for an 'easy fall'

Nathaniel Hackett struggled in his first head coaching gig, getting fired after going 4-11 in DEN

Hackett was previously Rodgers' offensive coordinator in Green Bay prior to their reunion

'I love Nathaniel Hackett,' Rodgers began while talking to Peter Schrager. 'Those comments were very surprising. For a coach to do that to another coach - my love for Hack goes deep.

'We had some great years together in Green Bay, we kept in touch. Love him and his family, he's an incredible family man, incredible dad -- and on the field, he's arguably my favorite coach I've ever had in the NFL. 

'It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn't go well for that team this year. 

'I thought it was way out of line, inappropriate and I think he needs to keep my coaches' names out of his mouth.'

Payton has since walked back his comments, to some degree, admitting Friday he 'still had my FOX hat on; referring to his time as an analyst during his 12-month sabbatical from coaching. 

While Jets coach Robert Saleh took the high road when discussing Payton's initial comments this week, the narrative - heightened by Rodgers' comments - creates immense intrigue ahead of the game between both franchises in Week 5. 

“I kind of live by a saying — "If you ain’t got no haters, you ain’t popping." So, hate away,” Saleh said Thursday, in response to Payton's comments on Hackett and the Jets. 

'Obviously we’re doing something right if you’ve gotta talk about us when we don’t play you until Week [5].'