Sunday may mark the final game for one of the NFL‘s greatest quarterbacks of all time, Aaron Rodgers. There have been rumblings that Rodgers may retire after the 2024 season, which saw Rodgers and the New York Jets struggle mightily.
The Jets are a dismal 4-12, and the four-time NFL MVP hasn’t looked like himself while throwing for 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Now, an NFL insider has provided the biggest hint yet that Rodgers may hang up his cleats.
Will Aaron Rodgers Retire After the 2024 NFL Season?
On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that several people close to Rodgers are preparing for this to be the final game of his NFL career. This lines up with Rodgers’ recent comments and hints 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.” Earlier this week, the legendary quarterback reflected on his football 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 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.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly wants to move on from Rodgers, whom he wanted to bench earlier this season.
The four-time NFL MVP has been dreadful 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.
Given Rodgers also struggled in 2022 (posting a D+ grade), one has to wonder whether the veteran quarterback has anything left.
Calls Mount for Rodgers To Retire
After Rodgers admitted he was weighing retirement, many called for him to call it a career.
Given his poor play and recent antics, many NFL fans want to see Rodgers retire. Some pointed out that as a four-time MVP, a Super Bowl champion, and future first-ballot Hall of Famer, he has nothing left to prove (besides that he has something left in the tank).
“I wish Aaron Rodgers just retired.. the course of this year is really tanking my perception of him. He’s terrible, quick to blame others, horrible leader always expressing frustration during the game,” one fan said.
I wish Aaron Rodgers just retired.. the course of this year is really tanking my perception of him. He’s terrible, quick to blame others, horrible leader always expressing frustration during the game.
— Justyn (@JKaaiG) December 29, 2024
“Aaron Rodgers should retire, he’s done. And for any other team that would consider signing him after the Jets cut him, why would you want to bother with his nonsense if he can’t play?” another fan said.
Aaron Rodgers should retire, he’s done. And for any other team that would consider signing him after the Jets cut him, why would you want to bother with his nonsense if he can’t play?
— Jeff Parles (@jeffparles) December 29, 2024
“If Sunday is Aaron Rodgers last game that will be very very sad,” another fan posted. “Can thank the man for so many good memories. I just wish he retired in Green Bay, the way it should’ve went down.”
If Sunday is Aaron Rodgers last game that will be very very sad. Can thank the man for so many good memories. I just wish he retired in Green Bay, the way it should’ve went down.
— YUNG NET SAVE PE$O (@Chauky_NYC) January 2, 2025
Rodgers hasn’t been the same since he tore his Achilles last year in the first game of the 2023 season.
Now, after turning 41 years old last month, it may be time for the legendary quarterback to hang up his cleats.
Rodgers hasn’t said he is retiring, and if history is any indication, we likely won’t know his plans until the offseason. But it is noteworthy that people close to Rodgers are preparing as if this will be his final game.
Throughout the course of his NFL career, Rodgers has thrown for 62,678 yards, 499 touchdowns, and 115 interceptions while also rushing for 3,573 yards and 35 touchdowns. Rodgers holds the NFL record for the highest career passer rating (102.6), highest career TD-INT ratio (4.4-1), and highest single-season passer rating (122.5).