Aaron Rodgers admits the curtain could fall on his iconic NFL career on Sunday when he plays in the New York Jets’ regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.
The Jets have nothing to play for at MetLife Stadium, holding a 4-12 record after a disastrous season. It feels inevitable that Rodgers’ two-season stay with the Jets will end in the offseason, with the four-time MVP failing to meet the lofty expectations that followed his trade from the Green Bay Packers.
Both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were the victims of mid-season firings, meaning the reset button will be pressed in the offseason and 41-year-old Rodgers knows he is unlikely to be part of the franchise’s future.
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Rodgers reportedly has his eyes on four potential landing spots the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns if he continues playing next season, but he is not oblivious to the fact Sunday’s meeting with the Dolphins could be the last time he steps onto the field as a player. “Yeah, of course,” Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday when asked if his career could end this weekend.
“This game has given me a lot. I’ve given a lot back to it, and I’m thankful for it. I won’t be thinking about that on game day. I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m trying to stay in the moment, but, of course, it’s been a long career.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish, and I’m also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”
Although Rodgers’ time with the Jets has been a failure on the field, missing the entirety of his debut season after suffering a ruptured Achilles four snaps into the 2023 opener before a dismal 2024 campaign, he has nothing but good things to say about his experience with the organization.
“I’m just more resigned to the reality of the situation,” Rodgers said. “I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m [not] a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.
“Honestly, it’s been the best two years of my life and that’s a perspective adjustment that I think happened at some point during the rehab process last year. Just the excitement, falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys and the great men and women that work here. It’s been a lot of fun.
“On he field, it’s been short of expectations, no doubt, but this game is more than just that. This game is about the relationships, the things that really last longer than your health and your body and being able to play.
“So I’m really thankful for the people I’ve met here in New Jersey and the experiences I got to have with my teammates and enjoying the city. Obviously, I wish things would have gone better on the field, but nothing but gratitude for this time of my life.”
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