The New York Jets traded for Aaron Rodgers in April of 2023, and the quarterback arrived with high expectations. He also signed a restructured three-year, $112.5 million contract extension to give the team a better chance of winning the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, nothing has gone well for Rodgers since then. He suffered an Achilles injury on his debut with the Jets last year, and the team has struggled massively this season with him.
Aaron Rodgers Expressed His Appreciation for Two Seasons in New York
The four-time NFL MVP will likely play his last game for the Jets this Sunday, and he was recently asked to describe his two years with them.
“I mean gratitude, honestly, it’s been the best two years of my life,” said Rodgers. “That’s a perspective adjustment that happened, I think, at some point during the rehab process last year. But just the excitement, falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys in here, and getting to know the great men and women that work here has been a lot of fun.”
He continued, “Obviously, on the field has been short of expectations, no doubt. But this game is more than just that. This game is about the relationships, about the things that really last longer than this, last longer than your health does, and last longer than your body being able to play… Obviously wish things would have gotten better on the field, but nothing but gratitude for this time in my life.”
The Jets could release Rodgers this offseason and bring in a new head coach and general manager to start a rebuild. Davante Adams could also be on his way out, allowing Garrett Wilson to be the team’s best offensive player for the foreseeable future.
Wilson reportedly had chemistry issues with Rodgers, and rumors emerged about him asking for a trade if the quarterback was on the team next year. The franchise is rightly prioritizing him over the other two veterans, and the Ohio State product might sign a big extension once he becomes eligible after this season.
The Jets are 4-12 this season and will finish with a worse record with Rodgers as the quarterback than they did with Zach Wilson last year. The future Hall of Famer’s time in New York has been a complete failure, and it might force him to continue playing and finish his career on a much better note.
Rodgers’ Comments Spark Reactions From Jets Fans
Rodgers mentioning that his tenure with the Jets was the best two years of his life wasn’t taken well by the team’s fan base on social media. In their eyes, the 41-year-old quarterback was lying.
Here are some of the reactions:
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/Bh1kPngciG
— NewEraNYJets (@NewEraNYJets) January 1, 2025
“LOL, he lies his a** off. Pretty sure 2010 was a far better year for him,” said a fan.
Another Jets fan added, “It hasn’t been the fans’ best two years with you at QB!”
Respectfully that is such a lie https://t.co/oNGYunjVAY
— Sauce Gardner and Francisco Alvarez fan page (@JDTrav83) January 1, 2025
“Best two years of my life? Lmfao, dude wants a job next year bad, lol,” said another fan.
“Absolutely no one is believing that. What a joke,” wrote a fan.
Yea? Well it’s been the worst 2 years of my life Aaron https://t.co/iYBsLtauYc
— G. (@Coolguysir) January 1, 2025
Jets fans expected Rodgers to completely transform their franchise and lead them to a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, even a legendary quarterback like him couldn’t succeed in an environment that wasn’t ideal for players and executives to work with.
Jets owner Woody Johnson has been criticized extensively this season for his handling of the team. Rodgers’ departure will put more pressure on him, and if the team fails to hire the right head coach, general manager, and quarterback in 2025, the fans could campaign for him to sell the team.
Heading into Week 18, the AFC East franchise is in the possession of the seventh overall pick. The Jets will face the Miami Dolphins in what could be Rodgers’ last game for the team.