Before entering his “dark retreat,” Aaron Rodgers was, in his words, “90% retired” and ready to move on from Green Bay.
When he emerged from the darkness, he was still ready to leave Wisconsin. But Rodgers decided to become a New York Jet, and he is loving his decision with the team’s inaugural training camp.
He admitted that he wanted to retire a packer and “be one of the Tim Duncans. [Derek] Jeters, Kobes [Bryant] of the world” but he noted that it was time for a change.
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Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets runs drills during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on July 20, 2023 in Florham Park, NJ. (Mike Staub/Getty Images)
“It’s definitely rejuvenated me. I’m excited to be in a new place, excited to meet new guys and just be around him,” Rodgers told ESPN New York Radio’s Rick DiPetro and Dave Rothenberg on Friday morning.
Rogers has enjoyed everything the Big Apple has to offer. Hours and days after being officially introduced as a Jet, he was attending playoff games between the New York Knicks and Rangers at Madison Square Garden. In May, she participated in the Taylor Swift Eras Tour show at her new home, MetLife Stadium.
“It was a great opportunity for me. It’s fun to have everything so new, because there are new people to meet, new places to go,” Rogers said. “I’ve really enjoyed the city, being able to go out to restaurants and concerts and MSG. You get a lot of sporting events. It’s been really fun for me. As much as I love Green Bay and love the place, it’s a little slow.”
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with his jersey after a news conference at the team’s training facility on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, NJ. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Rodgers is entering his 19th season, and will turn 40 in December, when he hopes the Jets will be closer to securing their first playoff berth since the 2010 season. So, retirement is not far away at all.
But the four-time MVP feels he owes it to the organization to play more than one season.
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“I’m not a big clutch guy. Most people would say, ‘I’m taking it one day at a time or one year at a time,’ but the Jets left a lot for me. So, playing just one year, I think, would be a loss.
“Now, if that one year turns out to be a magical year, who knows? But it’s more than that. That’s how my body feels. … But the way I’m feeling now, I think I can play for many years.”
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks to reporters after the team’s OTAs at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 9, 2023 in Florham Park, NJ. (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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New York went 7-10 last season. Despite missing the playoffs, the Jets have young talent emerging. They have offensive and defensive rookies of the year in Garrett. Wilson and Sass Gardner, the latter of whom was a first-team All-Pro. Brace Hall, who was on track to win top offensive rookie honors before tearing his ACL midseason, figures to be healthy for 2023.
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