Touching reason why New York Jets star Rodgers switched digits from number 12

Aaron Rodgers is fit and raring to go for the New York Jets ahead of the new NFL season, but he won’t be wearing his famous number 12.

The 40-year-old quarterback made the No.12 shirt his own in the 17 years he played for the Green Bay Packers.

However, after completing a move to the New York Jets in 2023, the club announced that Rodgers wouldn’t wear 12.

Instead, he took up the No.8 shirt.

Why did Aaron Rodgers switch from number 12?

When Rodgers signed for the Jets, he announced he wouldn’t take the number 12 shirt.

This is because that number belonged to the legendary Joe Namath.

While playing for the Jets in the 1960s and 70s, Namath was an absolute star and helped his team win the third Super Bowl in 1968.

The franchise retired the No.12 in the 1980s when Namath was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

However, Namath told Rodgers he could wear it before the move even happened.

Speaking about Rodgers leaving the Packers to join the Jets, he said: “If he’s there, yeah, I want him to wear his number.

“We establish ourselves, and we got a real respect for our numbers, and Aaron Rodgers, God almighty yeah, it would be great to have him in New York.”

But talking at his unveiling after ending a 17-year association with Green Bay, Rodgers revealed he would take No.8 instead.

He said: “There are some iconic names that have played here, probably none more iconic than number 12.

“And I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me, 12 is Broadway Joe, and I didn’t even want to go down that path.”

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But the number eight has meaning to Rodgers as well, as it’s his old college digit.

And speaking about that decision, he revealed he was ‘excited’ to wear the jersey.

It was a decision that pleased Namath because he felt it showed that Rodgers is respectful.

Speaking after Rodgers’ press conference, the Jets legend said: “Like all Jets fans, I’m thrilled about having Aaron on our team!

“I sincerely appreciate his respect for the history of our organisation and my contributions to it. Now let’s end a TWELVE-year drought to make the playoffs!!!”

Of course, things didn’t pan out in Rodgers’ debut Jets season, as he suffered a year-ending injury right at the start of the campaign.

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But he’s ready to make up for lost time now and try to end the Jets’ playoff drought.

The quarterback first wore No.8 while playing for the Golden Bears at the University of California.

While with the Bears, Rodgers had an 18-8 record, and his performances eventually helped him get picked by the Packers, and the rest is history.

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