We finally know what Christmas gift to get the smartest man in the world. Will someone buy Aaron Rodgers a mirror? The rapidly deteriorating New York Jets quarterback made it clear this week that he despises when former players air their grievances on ESPN, while inferring non-athletes should never even be entitled to open their mouths. “There’s a lot of people talking about the game now,” Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Both non-former players and former players who are trying to stay relevant fame-wise. Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now and they believe they’re the celebrities now, they’re the stars for just being able to talk about sports or give a take about sports, many of which are unfounded or asinine, as we all know.” The hypocrisy is hilarious. If we ranked the most controversial statements made by a player on ESPN over the last calendar year, most would belong to Rodgers. As for his disdain for those commenting that never played the game, that is a fascinating position for a noted immunologist without a medical degree. Since joining the Jets, Rodgers has been an epic disaster. Every move has flopped, from Nathaniel Hackett’s hiring to the additions of Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Mike Williams, Billy Turner and Dalvin Cook. He seemed to realize a few years ago that he would never be embraced like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. So, he turned heel. As such, no one’s attempt to stay relevant seems more desperate than his (insert trailer for his upcoming Netflix special). He correctly notes that the media landscape has changed, and not necessarily for the better with manufactured debates. But no former or current player benefits more from ESPN’s platform than him, going unchecked and unchallenged for his remarks for a half hour every week. It makes his is lack of self-awareness stunning. Can we please get this man a mirror? Joke is on Nuggets: Coach Michael Malone wants the Nuggets to shoot more 3s. But can they make more? As with most questions regarding the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic is the answer. Maybe he can start launching around eight per game. He might have to moving forward. Opponents are double-teaming him less, fine with Jokic scoring 50 a night on two-point shots. My prediction: By the end of this month it will be clear, if it is not already, that the Nuggets need to follow the Avs’ blueprint and make a major trade to return to contention. Chapel Bill: Bill Belichick going to North Carolina remains a stunner. There is no denying that he is one of the greatest coaches ever. But let’s pump the brakes saying he will be the next Deion Sanders. Belichick might need charisma bypass surgery to pull this off. He must lean on older, transfer portal stars and have the money to do so. However, running UNC like a pro team is fraught with challenges, namely, can he keep his current players each season after he puts them through joyless practices and endless film sessions? This is not the NFL. Players can become free agents every year, and his style makes it possible they will. Life goals: Scott Wedgewood is a terrific backup goalie. Let’s be clear, though. For the Avs to say they are a Stanley Cup threat with a straight face, they need Mackenzie Blackwood to reach his potential. There are those in NHL circles who believe his ceiling is so high it will require pumped-in oxygen to inhabit. Get Blackwood hot, and everything becomes possible again. Mail Time Q: I need to take your advice in your lede on the Bo Nix column. — Kenn Bisio, email I enjoyed writing about Bo Nix’s leadership style and how he communicates without cursing. Having covered Major League Baseball for 15 years, I have a PhD in profanity. But I have grown to understand that is not as necessary as it seems. What I admire about Nix is that not cursing is a reflection of his discipline and conviction. These are the same traits that make him a respected teammate and one of the NFL’s best rookies. He is comfortable in his skin, and that confidence manifests in everything he does.