The rumors of the New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers heading for a divorce have been making the rounds for awhile now. Fans, analysts, and even former players have speculated what the next step for Rodgers could be. The common consensus was that he would seek a starting QB role elsewhere.
However, there was also the possibility, once thought unlikely, that the four-time league MVP could retire after the year. As the Jets’ season came to a close in a Week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins, some eagle-eyed viewers may have gotten the final hint they needed.
Lip Readers Diagnose Aaron Rodgers’ Retirement
Rodgers had one of the better games of his season, totaling 274 yards and four touchdowns. The Jets rallied against their divisional opponent to beat the Dolphins 32-20, while ending Miami’s hopes for a playoff berth. Yet, it wasn’t his on-field play that caught the eyes of fans.
Instead, an exchange with 2:30 minutes left in the game on the sideline has left everyone guessing. Talking to teammates, Rodgers appeared to say, “It’s my last game.”
Did Aaron Rodgers say “It’s my last game” pic.twitter.com/TnSLL04X2N
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) January 6, 2025
While we do not have confirmation yet, the video evidence is hard to deny. Of course, the possibility of Rodgers retiring hasn’t been ruled out, with the quarterback himself acknowledging that Week 18 could be his final game.
Earlier in the week, as Rodgers gave a long soliloquy reflecting on his career, Ian Rapoport was reporting that many in the QB’s camp were anticipating this game as the final one of a once-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 won’t be thinking about that on 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 I’m also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”
Rodgers Reacts to Retirement Reports
On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that “several people close to” Rodgers were preparing for this to be the final game of his NFL career. Rodgers’ recent comments also hinted that he may be nearing the end of his playing days.
When asked if Week 18 could be his final NFL game, Rodgers recently responded, “Yeah, of course.”
After the Jets’ 32-20 win over the Dolphins, a reporter asked Rodgers about Rapoport’s report and the veteran quarterback had a hilarious response.
“People said they were close to me?” Rodgers joked.
Aaron Rodgers on reports that people close to him have said he is likely to retire:
"People said they were close to me?" pic.twitter.com/H1eWAAy0ay
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 6, 2025
This is a reference to the movie “Tropic Thunder,” when the main character Tugg Speedman says during an interview, “Somebody said they were close to me?”
Rodgers went on to clarify that he doesn’t have a relationship with Rapoport, emphasizing how he likes to keep things within a small group of confidants.
“I don’t have a relationship with Ian and I’m not sure who does in my circle,” he said. “But it’s probably nobody that has talked to me in a short while, no offense to Ian.”
The four-time NFL MVP has struggled mightily this season. According to PFN’s QB+ metric, Rodgers has been the 25th-best quarterback in the league with a 71.3 (C-) grade. He falls right between Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins and Tennessee Titans QB Mason Rudolph.
But, despite the dreadful year, he’s still grateful for the opportunity to suit up, at least for one final season. “I’m just more resigned to the reality of the situation,” Rodgers said. “I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m [not] a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.”
Before initially joining the Jets, there was some speculation that Rodgers might retire. After an Ayahuasca retreat, he himself claimed that he was 95% on the way to retiring. This time around, however, he doesn’t believe the waiting period will be as long.
“I need a break mentally,” Rodgers told reporters. “I don’t want to make a decision until I’ve been able to rest mentally and physically … I just need a break to refresh, put my feet in the sand, and see where I’m at after that.
“March is free agency. I don’t think we’re going to get that far because there’s going to be a regime change here with the GM and then I’ll either get a call or have a conversation and go from there.”
Even though he has struggled this season, it doesn’t take away from the incredible legacy Rodgers will leave behind if he retires. Totaling 62,952 passing yards with 503 TDs, finishing eighth and third all-time respectively for both of those categories.
Further, he also holds the record for the highest single-season passer rating at 122.5, a number Lamar Jackson came close to this year with a 119.6 rating.
The end of a historic career may be upon us. Here’s to the incredible legacy of the one-time Super Bowl champion and four-time league MVP.