New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers turns 41 at the start of December. Photo Credit: AP Photos
Aaron Rodgers, the legendary quarterback and four-time NFL MVP, remains uncertain about continuing his career in 2025. However, if he does decide to play, he made it clear the New York Jets would be his preferred team.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers addressed his future amid rumors suggesting he might leave the Jets or face benching or release by the end of this season.
“I don’t even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option,” Rodgers said, adding that his decision will depend on how he feels physically and whether the Jets’ new leadership values him.
New Leadership Raises Questions
The Jets (3-8) recently fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, setting the stage for a new regime in 2025. This leadership change could affect Rodgers’ future with the team. Despite being under contract for 2025, Rodgers has no guaranteed money remaining, giving the Jets the option to part ways with him. They could choose to move forward with backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor and potentially draft a rookie signal-caller.
Rodgers denied reports that he is seeking to play elsewhere next season, calling them “100% false.” He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Jets but admitted he is still weighing whether to continue his career.
“When you’re 40, going on 41, you’re obviously at the end of your career,” he said. “… Obviously, if it’s New York, they have to want me to be here. And then the new GM, new staff all have to want me to be with the Jets. And then body-wise, I have to see how I’m feeling and if I want to sign up to go back to the grind and all that, but it feels good. I’m healthy now.
“It’s not as much fun when you’re dealing with rehab all the time. So, if I can stay healthy the rest of the year and play the way I want to play, and everybody feels good about bringing me back, then there’s a decision there. And if not, then there’s all the other options. I think, at this point, I’m open to everything and attached to nothing. So, it’s a good place to be.”
Injuries and Frustration in 2023
Rodgers has endured a challenging two seasons with the Jets. Traded from Green Bay in April 2023, he arrived with high expectations but played only four snaps in his debut before rupturing his left Achilles. This season, he has battled hamstring, knee, and ankle injuries, contributing to underwhelming stats: 17 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
Despite reports that he might be benched, placed on injured reserve, or even released, Rodgers dismissed those claims. He insisted he will not willingly go on injured reserve without a significant injury and remains focused on finishing the season.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed Rodgers will start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, emphasizing, “A healthy Aaron Rodgers is an Aaron Rodgers we all love.”
Reflecting on the Jets’ Struggles
The Jets have struggled since acquiring Rodgers, going 10-18 overall, including the 16 games he missed in 2023. Despite the disappointment, Rodgers described these two years as meaningful.
“These have been two of the most important years of my life and two of the best years of my life,” he said.
Rodgers also expressed regret over the recent firing of GM Joe Douglas. He recalled seeing team owner Woody Johnson arrive via helicopter during practice and having a feeling something significant was about to happen.
“I just knew something might be going down here, and I was like, ‘Damn, I hope it’s not Joe,'” said Rodgers, who learned during a flight to California that Douglas had been fired.
Looking Ahead
Rodgers’ decision about 2025 remains uncertain, hinging on his health, his desire to continue the grind of an NFL season, and the Jets’ willingness to bring him back. While this season has not gone as planned, Rodgers emphasized his commitment to finishing the year strong, regardless of the team’s slim playoff hopes.
As the Jets navigate a challenging rebuild, Rodgers’ future remains a central storyline, one that could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
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This report used information from ESPN.
