Apr 26, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) talks to the media during the introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Jets-Aaron Rodgers Press Conference
(New York, NY) — Aaron Rodgers is in the building.
After a blockbuster trade sent the four-time MVP to the meadowlands, Rodgers met with the New York media for the first time on Wednesday.
“They smoked us last year, so I know they had a good team,” he said when asked what first attracted him to the Jets, referring to their 27-10 win in Green Bay last season
The Jets are sending the Packers the 13th (1st round), 42nd (2nd round) and 207th (6th round) picks in Thursday’s draft and a second-round pick in 2024 that will become a first-round pick in the event that Rodgers plays 65% of Jets offensive snaps next season.
The Jets will receive the 15th pick (1st round) and 170th pick (5th round) in Thursday’s draft, along with Rodgers.
“I am just going to focus on this season, but I expect to be here for he duration of the offseason and get to know the team and the staff,” the 18-year veteran insisted.
Rodgers described it as a “surreal day” and expressed his confidence with the team that GM Joe Douglas built. The future hall-of-famer believes the talent on the roster could guide the Jets to their first Lombardi Trophy since 1969.
I’m an old guy, so I wanted to be a part of a team that could win it all,” Rodgers said.
In New York, Rodgers will eschew wearing his trademark #12 for #8 as to not wear the same number as the great Joe Namath.
“Aaron is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game and to have an opportunity to add a player of that caliber, you are always going to look into it and how it fits within our culture,” GM Joe Douglas said. “We’re all excited to add someone of his character and his ability.”
Rodgers has spent his entire 18-season NFL career with the Packers, where he led the team to a 31-25 victory in Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Next stop? Superbowl 58.
