The New York Jets ended the season with a win as Aaron Rodgers threw a season-high four touchdown passes in what might be the last game of his legendary NFL career. The Jets hosted the Miami Dolphins with no hopes of making it to the playoffs, but Rodgers and Co. played for the right to end the season on a high note.
Sunday was the first time in Rodgers’ career that he threw an interception on the first play of the game, but Week 18 was defined by its highlights. Rodgers became the fifth player in NFL history with 500 regular-season touchdown passes, joining Tom Brady (649 touchdown passes), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508). He also joined Manning (244 games) as the only player to reach 500 regular-season touchdown passes in fewer than 250 career games (248).
The 41-year-old left the gridiron with Davante Adams and went on to address the media amid speculations and reports about his future.
Aaron 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.”
“This game has given me a lot,” Rodgers added. “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.”
A reporter asked Rodgers about Rapoport’s report after the Jets’ 32-20 win over the Dolphins.
“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.”
Rodgers Talks About Future With Jets
Rodgers also said he’s grateful for his opportunity with the Jets even though the team is more than likely ready to move on from him.
“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.”
He also provided some insight into his decision-making process entering the offseason.
“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.”
Lip Readers Believes Rodgers Confirmed Retirement
During the win over the Dolphins, a comment that Rodgers made on the sideline caught the attention of fans.
With 2:30 minutes left in the game, Rodgers was talking to teammates and appeared to say, “It’s my last game.” See for yourself.
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.
The four-time NFL MVP has struggled in his age-41 season. According to PFN’s QB+ metric, Aaron Rodgers has been the 25th-best quarterback in the league with a 71.3 (C-) grade, entering Week 18. He falls right between Atlanta Falcons veteran Kirk Cousins and Tennessee Titans backup Mason Rudolph.
Given Rodgers also declined in 2022 (posting a D+ grade), one has to wonder whether the veteran quarterback has anything left.
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.
Even though Rodgers has struggled, 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.