FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make his 241st profession begin Sunday. It could possibly be his final.
“Yeah, after all,” he mentioned Wednesday, acknowledging that the thought is on his thoughts as he prepares for Sunday’s season finale in opposition to the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.
Rodgers, 41, mentioned he’ll determine earlier than free company in March on whether or not to play in 2025, joking that he will not want a darkness retreat this time to assist his thought course of.
In a reflective temper, Rodgers mentioned he has “a whole lot of gratitude for the final 20 years,” including that he is grateful for the numerous coaches and teammates he has encountered on his soccer journey from highschool to the Jets. He sounded as if he is considering laborious about retirement.
“I believe there’s going to be change right here, and if I’m [not] part of the change, then I simply wish to ensure everyone is aware of I’ve nothing however gratitude for my time right here.”
Aaron Rodgers
“This recreation has given me loads,” he mentioned. “I’ve given loads again to it, and I’m grateful for it. I will not be excited about that on recreation day. I’ll simply be having fun with this. I’m attempting to remain within the second, however, after all, it has been a protracted profession. I’m actually happy with what I’ve been in a position to be part of, what I’ve been in a position to accomplish, and I’m additionally trying ahead to a pleasant psychological and bodily relaxation.”
The former Green Bay Packers legend left open the potential of returning to the Jets — if the brand new regime needs him again — however he did not seem overly optimistic about that taking place.
“I’m simply extra resigned to the truth of the scenario,” Rodgers mentioned. “I believe there’s going to be change right here, and if I’m [not] part of the change, then I simply wish to ensure everyone is aware of I’ve nothing however gratitude for my time right here.”
Rodgers, introduced in by the Jets in April 2023, known as these “the most effective two years of my life.” He definitely wasn’t referring to what has transpired on the sphere. After lacking practically all the 2023 season with a torn Achilles, Rodgers hasn’t performed as much as expectations. He’s ranked twenty fifth out of 33 certified passers in Total QBR, with 24 landing passes and 10 interceptions — solely the fourth time in his profession that he has hit double-digit interceptions. The Jets, who started the season with Super Bowl aspirations, are 4-12.
“I’m disenchanted concerning the efficiency with myself and as a workforce, however actually grateful for the chance,” Rodgers mentioned. “If I really feel good coming again they usually wish to make one other run at this, that’d be unbelievable, however I’m not naive to the scenario we’re in.”
The Jets, who fired coach Robert Saleh and normal supervisor Joe Douglas through the season, have begun the seek for replacements. A brand new regime probably means a change at quarterback. Rodgers, who’s underneath contract for 2025, mentioned he hopes to talk with the subsequent GM in some unspecified time in the future to get a really feel for the group’s considering.
First, he needs to relaxation. The grind of rehabbing his surgically repaired Achilles exacted a bodily and psychological toll, he mentioned. He believes that, with correct relaxation within the offseason and one other yr faraway from surgical procedure, he could possibly be higher in 2025.
“I would like a break, mentally,” he mentioned.
Rodgers is on the verge of turning into the fifth participant in NFL historical past with 500 landing passes. With 62,678 yards, he wants solely 115 to go Matt Ryan for seventh on the profession checklist.
“To even be a small a part of his story is, it is an honor,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich mentioned. “And if it occurs to be his final recreation, let’s take him out on the best word.”
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, whose relationship with Rodgers has come underneath scrutiny, advised ESPN “it is a blessing” to play with the four-time MVP. “It’s one thing I’ll inform my children about.”
Wilson has expressed frustration about his position within the offense, fueling hypothesis that he is at odds with Rodgers.
“Yeah, I’ve seen a few of that,” Wilson mentioned. “Yeah, I imply, there is no fact to that. At the tip of the day, I do not converse on issues like that as a result of social media will not be actual.
“This is my first time addressing it,” he continued. “That stuff is simply phrases for individuals attempting to determine a strategy to divide us greater than they’ve already tried, just like the file is not sufficient. Obviously, we have got loads happening right here, particularly this season, attempting to dig ourselves out of this gap. Unfortunately, we weren’t in a position to. But my ft are the place my ft are at, and I’m going to try to end this factor the best method.”
