Aaron Rodgers, the legendary quarterback and four-time MVP, finds himself at a crossroads as the New York Jets prepare for their final game of the season against the Miami Dolphins. With questions swirling about his playing future, Rodgers, now 41, spoke candidly about the possibility that this could be his last game with the Jets—or even in the NFL.
Contemplating the End of an Era
“Yeah, of course,” Rodgers said when asked if Sunday’s game could mark the end of his illustrious 20-year career. Despite the speculation, he emphasized that he hasn’t made a final decision yet.
“I just need a break mentally to kind of refresh and put my feet in the sand,” he explained. “And see where I’m at after that.”
While he hasn’t ruled out returning to the field, Rodgers acknowledged that his future with the Jets remains uncertain, even if he decides to continue playing.
“I mean, gratitude, honestly,” he said when reflecting on his time in New York. “It’s been the best two years of my life.”
Rediscovering His Passion for the Game
Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets began with high hopes. Traded from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023, he was seen as the missing piece for a Jets team with Super Bowl aspirations. However, those dreams unraveled quickly when Rodgers tore his Achilles just four snaps into his debut last season. The injury sidelined him for the year and set the tone for a series of setbacks that have plagued the team ever since.
During his rehabilitation, Rodgers underwent what he described as a “perspective adjustment,” rediscovering his love for the game after nearly two decades in Green Bay.
“Obviously, I wish things would’ve gone better on the field,” he admitted. “But nothing but gratitude for this time in my life. I’ve cherished the relationships I’ve built with my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the organization.”
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A Disappointing Season for the Jets
This year, the Jets entered the season with renewed optimism, but their 4-12 record has been a major letdown. Injuries, inconsistency, and underwhelming performances have led to the firing of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. For Rodgers, the season has been a mix of fleeting flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration as he’s battled through additional injuries.
Despite the team’s struggles, Rodgers has tried to maintain a leadership role in the locker room and a positive outlook on his time in New York. He acknowledged the possibility that the Jets’ new regime might decide to move on from him.
“I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m part of that change, I just want everyone to know I have nothing but gratitude for my time here,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a great experience all around, even if it hasn’t been what we hoped for on the field.”
Looking Ahead to the Offseason
Rodgers plans to take time after the season to evaluate whether he wants to continue playing and, if so, where that might happen. He joked about returning to the darkness retreat he famously undertook before deciding to join the Jets but quickly dismissed the idea.
“Probably darkness again,” he said with a smile. “No, I think I’m done with that. I won’t be doing any darkness retreats this offseason.”
Instead, Rodgers will weigh the physical and mental demands of another season and hopes to make a decision sooner rather than later.
“March is free agency,” he noted. “I don’t think we’re even going to get that far. With the GM change and everything else, I’m sure there’ll be a conversation or a call, and then we’ll go from there.”
Rodgers is under contract for one more year with the Jets, carrying a $2.5 million non-guaranteed base salary and a $35 million option bonus. If the Jets decide to release him, they would face a $49 million dead cap hit unless they designate him as a post-June 1 cut, which would spread the impact over two years.
Focused on the Present
For now, Rodgers is focusing on what he knows for certain: he’ll take the field at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, possibly for the last time in his storied career.
“This game has given me a lot,” Rodgers said. “I’ve given a lot back to it, and I’m thankful for it. I’m not thinking about it being my last game; I’m just staying in the moment, enjoying it.”
As he prepares for the offseason and a much-needed mental and physical break, Rodgers remains reflective about his career.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to some rest, but we’ll see what happens after that.”
Whether Sunday marks the end of an era or the prelude to one last run, Rodgers’ legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is already secure.
