Sunday may be an end of an era in the NFL. New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers may be playing his last game in an NFL uniform.
Although Rodgers has said in recent interviews he’d like to come back for another season, he has acknowledged recently that Sunday may indeed be his last game.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets Head for Season Finale…What’s Next?
Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday when asked whether he’s thought about retirement, his response was, “Yeah, of course” — and he has “a lot of gratitude for the last 20 years.”
Aaron Rodgers, speaking to reporters, on whether he has considered the possibility that Sunday might be his last game: "Yeah, of course."
A reflective Rodgers expresses "gratitude" to the #Jets, saying "it's been the best two years of my life." Says he will make a decision on…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 1, 2025
Rodgers reflected on his football career and sounded like a man ready to shut it down.
“This game has given me a lot,” he 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.”
He also acknowledges that the Jets may be 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.”
In the last few years of his career, Rodgers has been known to take sabbaticals before the season started, almost leading to him retiring from the Green Bay Packers a few years ago.
The four-time NFL MVP has had an off year compared to his standards. Per PFN’s QB+ metric, his 71.3 score is a C- grade, nestled between Kirk Cousins and Mason Rudolph. Rodgers is coming off his worst game of the season against the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers only threw for 112 yards and two interceptions in their 41-14 drumming. Rodgers hasn’t looked like the same player since the Achilles injury he suffered at the beginning of the 2023 season.
Age also has to play a factor in his decision. Rodgers just turned 41 a month ago and the wear and tear of the NFL is a given. At this point, Rodgers has nothing to prove — could he ride into the sunset knowing he was one of the best NFL QB’s of all time?