The New York Jets made a significant gamble by trading for QB Aaron Rodgers over a year ago, hoping the 40-year-old would lead them on a deep playoff run in 2023. Unfortunately, Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire season. He aims to fulfill his promise in 2024, but his future in the NFL remains uncertain.
During an appearance on Pardon My Take, Rodgers discussed his retirement plans. “I don’t know. I’m not sure,” Rodgers said when asked about his remaining seasons, per SI.com’s Madison Williams. “This one, for sure. I wanted to do two good ones to give us a chance to retire a Jet, and win two Super Bowls.”
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Rodgers’ comments were somewhat cryptic. Initially, he wanted to play two seasons for the Jets, which could mean he doesn’t plan on playing past 2024, fulfilling his two-year commitment. Alternatively, he might aim for two strong seasons, suggesting a possible return in 2025. His health will be a crucial factor, as we’ve never seen a 40-year-old QB recover from such a severe injury so late in his career.
We’ll learn more about Rodgers’ physical condition later this fall.
Rodgers also addressed his minicamp absence on Pardon My Take. He made headlines for missing some of New York’s mandatory OTAs earlier this summer. “They can arbitrarily put a tag on whatever week of OTAs they want and say, ‘This is the minicamp week,’ which makes it somehow more mandatory than the other weeks,” Rodgers said. “But it was an OTA schedule. That’s how words can be a little deceiving from time to time. They can make a story out of the fact that I missed minicamp, but it was really two OTA days, but [I] came to the first 10.”
Rodgers is correct that headlines can exaggerate the situation. However, his absence during critical preparation time for the team raises questions. Ultimately, no one will remember this story in September if Rodgers returns to form.
