Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make his 241st career start on Sunday. It might be his last.
“Yeah, absolutely,” he said Wednesday, admitting the idea was in his mind in preparation for Sunday’s season finale against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.
Rodgers, 41, said he will decide whether to play in 2025 before free agency in March, joking that he won’t have to hide in the dark this time to help his thought process.
Looking back, Rodgers said he is “so grateful for the last 20 years,” adding that he is grateful for the many coaches and teammates he met during his football journey from high school to the Jets. He seemed to be thinking seriously about retirement.
“I think change is going to happen here, and even if I’m (not) a part of that change, I just want everyone to know that I’m grateful for the time I spent here.”
aaron rodgers
“This match gave me a lot,” he said. “I’ve been able to give back a lot and I’m grateful for that. I don’t think about that on game day. I just enjoy it. I try to stay in the moment, but of course, over the course of my long career, I don’t think about it. I’m really proud of what I was able to do and what I achieved, and I’m looking forward to getting back in good shape mentally and physically.”
The former Green Bay Packers legend remains open to returning to the Jets if the new administration wants him back, but he doesn’t seem too optimistic about that happening.
“I’m becoming more and more resigned to the reality of the situation,” Rogers said. “I think change is going to happen here, and if I’m part of that change, I want everyone to know that I’m nothing but grateful for the time I spent here.”
Rodgers, who joined the Jets in April 2023, called the past two years “the best two years of my life.” He certainly wasn’t referring to what happened on the field. Rodgers missed almost the entire 2023 season with a torn Achilles tendon, and hasn’t played up to expectations. He ranks 25th out of 33 eligible passers in total QBR and has 24 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, making him only the fourth in his career to reach double-digit interceptions. It is. The Jets, who started the season aiming for a Super Bowl appearance, went 4-12.
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“I’m disappointed in myself and how we performed as a team, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Rodgers said. “If I come back feeling good and they want to run with this again, that’s great, but I’m not naive to the situation we’re in.”
After firing coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season, the Jets began searching for their replacements. The new system will likely mean a quarterback change. Rodgers, who is under contract through 2025, said he would like to speak with the next general manager at some point to get a sense of the organization’s thinking.
First, he wants to rest. Rehabilitation of the surgically repaired Achilles tendon was a difficult task, he said, and it was both physically and mentally taxing. He believes he could be better in 2025 with proper rest in the offseason and another year off from surgery.
“Mentally I need a break,” he said.
Rodgers is on track to become the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 touchdown passes. With 62,678 yards, he needs just 115 yards to pass Matt Ryan for seventh place on the career list.
“It’s an honor to be a small part of his story,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “And if it’s his last fight, let’s beat him the right way.”
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, whose relationship with Rodgers has come under scrutiny, told ESPN that it’s a “blessing” to play alongside the four-time MVP. “That’s what I’m going to tell my kids.”
Wilson has expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the offense, leading to increased speculation that he is at odds with Rodgers.
“Yeah, I’ve seen some of that,” Wilson said. “Yeah, I mean, there’s no truth to that. After all, social media isn’t real, so I don’t talk about things like that.”
“This is the first time we’re tackling this problem,” he continued. “That kind of thing is just a word to those who are going to find ways to divide us more than they have ever tried, as if the record wasn’t enough. Obviously, we There’s a lot going on here, especially this season, trying.” Unfortunately, we couldn’t get out of this hole. But my feet are where they are and I intend to end this matter the right way. ”
