On the primary day of the New Yr, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers gave what might need been his final midweek press convention with the Jets.
Whereas he referred to as the 2024 season a “shitty yr for positive, in plenty of methods,” he mentioned he’s “[t]hankful to be wholesome, grateful to the fellows for the way in which they made me really feel welcome once I got here in final yr, grateful for the followers and the joy that I felt each final yr and at instances this yr.”
He referred to as his time with the Jets “one of the best two years of my life.”
That appears odd on the floor, on condition that he received a Tremendous Bowl and 4 league MVP awards throughout almost 20 years in Inexperienced Bay. Nonetheless, Rodgers mentioned “this recreation is extra than simply” on-field outcomes. He mentioned he’s grateful for the folks he met and the experiences he had together with his teammates.
When informed it appears he’s leaving closely towards retiring, Rodgers dismissed that.
“I’m simply extra resigned to the fact of the scenario,” Rodgers mentioned. “I believe there’s gonna be change right here, and if I’m part of the change, then I simply wish to ensure that all people is aware of that I’ve nothing however gratitude for my time right here.”
He mentioned it will be “implausible” to come back again and “make one other run at this” with the jets, however he added that he’s “not naive” to the scenario the Jets are in.
Rodgers additionally mentioned he plans to take time after the season ends to refresh, recharge, and ponder his future.
“If I wanna play and so they don’t need me right here, then I’ll see if there’s different choices,” Rodgers mentioned.
It stays clear that he needs the Jets to make the primary transfer. Then, he’ll determine whether or not he needs to play.
The framing, frankly, makes it much less probably that the following G.M. and head coach will need him again. They’ll have to make plans rapidly. In the event that they determine Rodgers is Plan A, they received’t wish to have to attend for his reply as as to if he’s able to play one other season.
Except, in fact, they determine to play his recreation, telling Rodgers they need him again whereas assuming he’ll ultimately decline to play for the brand new regime and planning for his successor.
For weeks, it has felt as if Rodgers needs to maneuver on, and that he needs the Jets to be those who finish it. There’s no different affordable solution to course of his current behavior of needling the franchise and proprietor Woody Johnson.
Thus, whereas it appears like a matter of time earlier than he’s not a Jet, time will inform whether or not Rodgers calls it quits or indicators elsewhere. Earlier than he can signal elsewhere, one other staff needs to be keen to roll out the purple carpet and make him the starter, on the age of 41.
