NFL
Aaron Rodgers Talks NFL Future, Potential Retirement Ahead of Jets’ Season Finale
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While Aaron Rodgers hasn’t made any decisions about his playing status for 2025, the New York Jets quarterback knows Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins might be his last in the NFL.
Rodgers told reporters he’s “trying to stay in the moment” with a lot of things on his mind in Week 18:
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Aaron Rodgers says he’s thought about the season finale being his final game:
“I’ll just be enjoying this, I’m trying to stay in the moment. It’s been a long career. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of and what I’ve been able to accomplish” pic.twitter.com/f24AK4mHxD
Zack Rosenblatt @ZackBlatt
Aaron Rodgers on his future with the #Jets, or otherwise: “I need a break mentally. 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…
The future Hall of Famer strained credulity a bit when he called his Jets tenure “the best two years of my life.” Injuries and off-field drama have been prominent themes during his stint in the Big Apple, and it’s doubtful he’ll look back on his time there all fondly, especially in contrast to what he achieved with the Green Bay Packers.
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“Gratitude. It’s been the best two years of my life”
Aaron Rodgers reflects on his tenure with the Jets pic.twitter.com/8Yvc0e4w6q
Rodgers is under contract with the Jets for 2025, but he’s well aware the team could decide to move on. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show last week, he joked about the idea of getting cut by one of the teenage sons of team owner Woody Johnson:
Plenty of uncertainties hover around the 41-year-old, including how long this saga will drag on. It wasn’t until March 2022 that he decided to suit up with the Packers for another season, and then his trade to the Jets came together in April 2023, days before the NFL draft.
Fans might be happy to learn, however, they may not have to hear about any darkness retreats. Rodgers ruled that out.
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Aaron Rodgers was asked how he would make the decision if he wants to return next season:
“Probably darkness again. Nah, I think I’m done with that. I won’t be doing any darkness retreats this offseason” pic.twitter.com/6kAovBvhKk
Assuming his time with the Jets is approaching its terminus, it could plausibly go either way in terms of whether he wants to keep going with another team.
The aging curve is hitting Rodgers in a big way. He has thrown 3,623 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and his 48.3 QBR is his second-lowest over a full season, per Pro Football Reference. There isn’t a lot of reason for optimism when it comes to 2025.
This may not be the way Rodgers imagined his career ending, though. Even if his performance doesn’t significantly improve, signing with another team would present the chance for him to go out on a winning team.