Per multiple reports, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson intends to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers following this season.
During Tuesday’s edition of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers insisted he doesn’t “have any regrets about” orchestrating a trade from the Green Bay Packers to the Jets in the spring of 2023 despite all that’s gone wrong over the past 15 months or so.
“Just all the things I experienced, man, my life would be completely different and, I promise you, not as full and not as rich if I hadn’t gotten traded here and been on board with this happening,” Rodgers explained, per Doric Sam of Bleacher Report. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of ups and downs, but d—, I’m really thankful for this time and this journey.”
Specifically, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles that ultimately ended his first campaign with the Jets four offensive snaps into the 2023 regular-season opener. More recently, he routinely left much to be desired with his play this season as the Jets fell to 3-9 before he turned 41 years old on Monday. Additionally, he’s dealt with ankle, knee and hamstring injuries this fall.
With the Jets set to hire a new head coach and new general manager following what will be a losing campaign for the organization, some thought Rodgers could agree to go on injured reserve this week to fully recover from his latest physical setbacks. However, Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed on Monday that Rodgers will start when New York plays at the 5-7 Miami Dolphins this Sunday.
According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Rodgers told “The Pat McAfee Show” crew that “one of my goals this year coming back from the Achilles was to play all 17 games” this season.
“My body feels great,” Rodgers added. “I want to be out there with the guys.”
Rodgers will eventually need to decide whether or not he’s all-in on playing for any team in 2025. If nothing else, he may want to shut things down earlier than planned in an attempt to see if he can get his body right before the new league year opens in March.