Aaron Rodgers admits he's in the “last few holes” of his NFL career, but believes he can lead the New York Jets to a long-awaited Super Bowl this season.
The four-time MVP quarterback is hoping to play a full season with the Jets for the first time since suffering a late-season Achilles injury just four plays into his debut against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of last season.
His arrival from the Green Bay Packers gave the Jets optimism that they could make the playoffs for the first time since 2010 and even reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1968, but the offseason has turned out to be a nightmare start.
Rogers' debut was greeted with a laser light show and hip-hop artist Method Man running through the raucous atmosphere of MetLife Stadium while waving an American flag, making his name known. It was a scene from a movie, but disaster struck.
“They had a great offseason. A lot of changes, playing in new cities, visiting new cities. An incredible first night, flag-raising, Monday Night Football. So it was definitely a devastating, heartbreaking night,” Rodgers said. Sky Sports.
“But in many ways, I'm grateful for the lessons I learned. Of course, I wish things had gone differently the first night, but, you know, sometimes you learn a lot about yourself in those tough moments. So I'm grateful for the lessons, and I wish things had gone a lot differently.”
Rodgers previously said he had no fears about retirement while with the Packers, but he left the field Monday night praying he hadn't taken his last snap.
He was brought in to revive and repurpose a Jets franchise that was on the NFL's longest active losing streak. This can't be the end of it.
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“I don't want to end up being dragged out, and I don't want to see myself limping around to get an X-ray of my ankle, praying that it's not an ankle injury, but an Achilles,” he said. “When it happened, part of me knew what it was.
“I've never had an injury like that before, obviously, but I knew it was something major and something real. It was going to be a long time before I was back. I just went to bed that night and prayed that it wouldn't be the last time I'd be out on the field. So I made it my goal to get back as soon as possible.
“I'm grateful to be able to wear the jersey, practice, run, throw, and do everything I know I can do.”
In many ways, the incident reignited the belief that Rodgers and the team had a squad that could compete for a championship, but much of that was not paid off in 2023.
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Robert Saleh's team has gone 7-10 behind the struggles of quarterback Zach Wilson, and will now look to Rodgers to represent the final piece of the puzzle.
“I think everything is important. Being tough, being ambitious, being passionate about the challenge and knowing that these moments are fleeting. You don't know what the final game will be like and you're still fighting against the clock and trying to play a few more seasons,” Rodgers said.
“What I've done this offseason is I've been able to play in every game. Some of it is out of my control, and there are going to be unexpected steps and hits.
“I just pray that I can survive, get through it, and deal with the next crisis.”
This is Rodgers' 20th season in the NFL and he's looking for his second Super Bowl win after leading the Packers to a title in 2010. But they've lost four NFC Championship games since then.
The success rate for starting quarterbacks over age 40 is historically low, but Rodgers remains confident in his ability to challenge the best in a talent-rich conference.
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“I'm on the last few holes,” he added. “I said back nine, and strangely enough, I don't feel like I'm 40, I don't wake up and think I'm 40. I think I'm still playing football. And it keeps you young. I think I'm going to work with 20-year-olds. I'm twice their age.
“Some of these people might have parents who are my age. I'm the same age as most of the coaches and players, so it's a different experience. But I don't feel old mentally or physically. Some days I feel old. It's not like when I was playing around. I can stay up late, eat a lot of crappy food, and wake up and not think twice about it.
“As we age, we need to approach our health and wellness a little differently to stay as youthful as possible.
“I appreciate a lot about the game, but one of the things I feel is that when I'm with the guys, when I'm out there, when I'm hanging out with them in practice and doing the things I can do on the field, I feel young. I may not be running as fast, but I still feel like I can throw it wherever I want.”
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Rodgers was welcomed as Jake Paul's replacement after making his debut with the New York Jets before suffering a season-ending injury.
Rogers admits there's some rust. It would be strange not to have it after a year on the sidelines. He hopes that come Monday night, it'll feel like he never left.
He took back control of an offense led by young stars at running back and wide receiver Breese Hall and Garrett Wilson. The Jets also bolstered their offensive line in the offseason with starting tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, as well as first-round pick Olu Fashanu.
“I think everybody knows that there are 32 teams playing in training camp, but not all 32 teams can win,” he said. “I've said that six or eight, maybe eight or 12 teams can win the championship. Obviously there are a few factors. Obviously injuries can happen, there are hot streaks and cold streaks.
“But at the end of the day, it's usually the best teams that are there, usually six to 12, eight to 12 teams. And whether you want to admit it or not, everyone in camp knows in their heart whether they're one of those eight or 12 teams or not.”
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One of the biggest draws when Rodgers joined the Jets was that they had one of the most talented defenses in the league, which ranked third in yards and EPA/play last season under Saleh and head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
With Rogers' return, I believe the Jets can be a contender.
“We're one of those eight to 12 teams,” Rodgers continued. “Everybody knows that. Our defense is definitely going to be a top-10 defense. Offensively, we have the ability and talent to be a top-10 offense, so come December, we'll be there.
“We're competing for a playoff spot, and once we get there, we'll be competing for the final two spots. So I like our chances and I know this is going to be a successful season for us.
“Of course, we are praying for good health, but we have the talent and ability to be one of the last two teams left.”
Watch the New York Jets take on the San Francisco 49ers in the first Monday Night Football game of the 2024 NFL season live on Sky Sports from 1.15am on Tuesday morning. Stream it now!
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