FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — As Aaron Rodgers approaches what could potentially be his final game with the New York Jets, he is taking a moment to reflect on his extraordinary 20-year career in the NFL. When asked about the possibility that Sunday’s season-ending matchup against the Miami Dolphins could be his last, the 41-year-old quarterback acknowledged that it has crossed his mind but emphasized that he isn’t ready to make a definitive decision about his future in football.
“I just need a break mentally to kind of refresh and put my feet in the sand,” he noted. “And see where I’m at after that.” Rodgers expressed some uncertainty about returning to the Jets, even though he has a desire to continue playing. His time in New York, however, has left him with a sense of gratitude. Throughout his discussions with reporters, he remarked, “It’s been the best two years of my life.”
Rodgers referred to his time in New York as a “perspective adjustment” that occurred while he was recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, which restricted him to only four plays in his highly anticipated debut for the Jets last season. He shared that the rehabilitation process rekindled his love for football, after spending 18 years in Green Bay, and he cherishes the connections he has built with teammates and coaches during his tenure with the Jets. “Obviously, I wish things would have gone better on the field,” he said. “But nothing but gratitude for this time in my life.”
Joining the Jets in April 2023 from the Packers instilled a sense of hope within the organization and its fanbase, with aspirations for a Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, those dreams faded when Rodgers suffered his injury, compounding a season that began with high expectations but has deteriorated into one of the Jets’ most disappointing years, currently holding a 4-12 record. The team has since parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Rodgers himself has shown glimpses of being a four-time MVP, but the overall performance has been underwhelming. He recognizes the possibility of not returning to the Jets after this season.
“I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows that I have nothing but gratitude for my time here,” he said. “It’s been a great experience all around, and again, I’m disappointed about the performance of both myself and the team, but really thankful for the opportunity.” He added, “If I feel good coming back and they want to make another run at this, that’d be fantastic. But I’m not naive to the situation we’re in.”
Following a similarly uncertain offseason last year, where Rodgers considered retirement after his time with the Packers, he went on a darkness retreat that revitalized his passion for the game, leading him to join the Jets. He plans to take some time this offseason to evaluate his future once more.
“Probably darkness again,” he joked about his future plans regarding relaxation, adding, “No, I think I’m done with that. I won’t be doing any darkness retreats this offseason.” Instead, he intends to weigh whether he is willing to endure another physically and mentally taxing season. He is optimistic that a decision won’t linger deep into the offseason.
“March is free agency,” he stated, suggesting that due to impending regime changes, particularly with the general manager, a resolution may come sooner rather than later. Rodgers has one year left on his contract, carrying a non-guaranteed base salary of $2.5 million and an upcoming $35 million option bonus, which poses a dilemma the new regime will have to navigate. If the Jets choose to cut him or if he opts to retire, a substantial dead money charge of $49 million would affect the team’s finances next year unless classified as a June 1 cut, which allows for some distribution of that hit over two years.
However, those fiscal considerations are relegated to the future. Right now, Rodgers is concentrating on the present and the fact that he will suit up at MetLife Stadium for the Jets’ final game of the season. “This game has given me a lot,” he shared. “I’ve given a lot back to it and I’m thankful for it. I’m not thinking (and) I won’t be thinking about that come game day. I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m trying to stay in the moment, but of course, it’s been a long career.”
“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish, and also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”
