New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make the 241st start of his career on Sunday. And it could be the last.
“Yeah, obviously,” Rodgers said Wednesday, admitting that thought is on his mind as he prepares for Sunday’s season finale against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.
The 41-year-old Rodgers said he will decide before the free agent market opens in March whether he will play in 2025 or not. Rodgers joked that he wouldn’t need a closed retreat to help him with the process.
Rodgers said he has “a lot of gratitude for the last 20 years,” adding that he is grateful for the coaches and teammates who have been a part of his football journey, from high school to the Jets . He seemed to be thinking hard about retirement.
“I think there will be change here and if I’m not part of the change, then I want to make sure everyone knows that I have nothing but gratitude for my time here. »
“This sport has given me a lot. I also gave a lot in return and I am grateful. I’m not going to think about that on game day. I’m going to take advantage of it. I try to stay in the moment, but obviously it’s been a long career. I am really proud of what I have been a part of, what I have achieved and I also look forward to the future for psychological and physical rest. »
The former Green Bay Packers legend left the door open for a return to the Jets – if new management wants him back – but he didn’t seem too optimistic about it.
Rodgers, acquired in April 2023, called his time with the Jets “the best two years of my life.” He certainly wasn’t talking about what happened on the field. After nearly missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, Rodgers has not performed up to expectations. He completed 24 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions – only the fourth time in his career that he reached the 10-interception plateau.
The Jets, who were thinking about the Super Bowl at the start of the season, are 4-12.
“I’m disappointed with my personal performance and that of the team, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Rodgers said. I feel good about coming back and if they want to take another chance, that would be fantastic, but I’m not naive. »
The Jets, who fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Doulgas during the season, have begun the search to replace them. New management likely means a change at quarterback. Rodgers, who is under contract through 2025, said he hopes to talk to the general manager to get the organization’s vision.
First, he wants to rest. The effort to recover from his Achilles tendon took a lot physically and mentally. He believes that with rest in the off-season and another year after surgery, he could be better in 2025.
“I need a break, mentally,” he said.
Rodgers could become the fifth player in NFL history with 500 touchdown passes. With 62,678 passing yards, he only needs 115 yards to overtake Matt Ryan for seventh all-time.
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