Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan recently discussed his thoughts about whether Aaron Rodgers should be the face of the Jets franchise moving forward. While appearing on “Postseason NFL Countdown” ahead of Super Bowl 59, Ryan detailed how there are various moving parts, in addition to Rodgers’ on-field talents, that need to be considered when looking at the situation.
What Did Rex Ryan Say About Aaron Rodgers?
Ryan coached the Jets between the 2009 and 2014 NFL seasons and interviewed for the organization’s head coaching vacancy in January 2025. He didn’t get the job this time around, as it was given to Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Ryan outlined that though much of the discussion lately has been about Rodgers’ on-field abilities, there also needed to be a focus on his off-the-field interests and commitments as well.
“Well, let me just take you inside those walls because I did interview for that job, and a lot of questions came up. Very few of the questions were about this man’s [Aaron Rodgers] ability as a quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, we all know he can still spin the football all right.
“But it’s the other things. The commitment. Is this man committed to the organization? Is he going to be at all the mini-camps? It should never be a question. Should never be a question. And the other things, are we comfortable with him doing ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ or this show or that show or whatever,” Ryan stated.
Will Rodgers Return Next Season?
At this time, it’s uncertain whether Rodgers will return to the NFL next season, but a return to the Jets seems out of the equation. Though many considered this past year a failure for Rodgers and the Jets, he did appear to turn a positive corner in the last month of the campaign.
It’s also important to remember that Rodgers is coming off an Achilles injury and is 41 years old, something that may have hindered his abilities earlier in the season.
In Rodgers’ last five regular-season games this year, he averaged 254 passing yards per game, had nine touchdown passes, and only three interceptions. As a result, though Ryan raised concerns about his commitment off the field, it’s evident that the four-time NFL MVP still has something left in the tank, regardless of where that may be.