Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday during his introductory press conference with the New York Jets that he’s well aware of the team’s lack of success in recent years but added that he’s ready to put the franchise back where it belongs.
“It’s exciting,” Rodgers said. “The Jets have an incredible and passionate fan base. … I grew up watching old VHS tapes of the Super Bowls, so obviously I know about ‘The Guarantee’ and ‘Broadway Joe.’ It’s been a while since then. I noticed walking in this morning that the Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely.”
New York acquired Rodgers in a trade from the Green Bay Packers for draft picks on Monday in hopes the four-time NFL MVP can help the Jets end their Super Bowl and playoff droughts.
The Jets have appeared in only one Super Bowl in their history, winning it in January 1969. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed New York’s victory over the then-Baltimore Colts three days before the big game that year.
New York boasted a top-five defense last season but finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season, the longest drought in the NFL.
However, Rodgers said he believes the Jets are building something special for 2023.
“I’m an old guy. I want to be part of a team that could win it all. And I believe this is a place we can get that done,” the 39-year-old said.
Rodgers cited multiple reasons why he wanted to join the Jets after 18 seasons and one Super Bowl title with the Packers.
“This is a surreal day for me,” Rodgers said. “I’m here because I believe in this team, I believe in coach (Robert) Saleh, I believe in (general manager) Joe Douglas.”
He added that reuniting with his former longtime offensive coordinator was also important.
“A big reason I’m here, I’ve got to mention, is Nathaniel Hackett. I love him like a brother,” Rodgers said of the Jets’ new coordinator, who joined New York this year after a disappointing 2022 campaign as the Denver Broncos head coach.
Hackett worked as the Packers’ offensive coordinator when Rodgers won back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. The 10-time Pro Bowler was less productive in 2022, finishing the campaign with a 64.6% completion rate while passing for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.
Rodgers said he plans on being in the building for practice Thursday, signaling he’ll be part of the Jets’ offseason program.
He initially didn’t commit to playing beyond the 2023 season but added, “I’m going to be here for the foreseeable future.” He told reporters following the press conference that his Jets tenure isn’t a “one-and-done,” according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
Rodgers joins a Jets team rostering some of the league’s best young players in wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner. New York also added to its receiving corps in free agency, signing Mecole Hardman and Allen Lazard, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay.
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