Aaron Rodgers has officially landed at the New York Jets, with the 39-year-old quarterback finally unveiled in a highly-anticipated press conference on Wednesday.
The four-time NFL MVP and one-time Super Bowl winner laid out his desire to join the Jets on The Pat McAfee Show last month. Rodgers’ trade to the Jets ends his 18-year stay at the Green Bay Packers, who drafted him in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft at 24th.
The Packers and Jets ironed out a deal, with Green Bay getting a 13th overall pick, a 2023 second-round pick at No43 and a 207th sixth-round pick. They will also see a conditional second round pick become a first in 2024 should Rodgers play 65 per cent of the plays. The Jets, meanwhile, will get the Packers’ No15 pick and a fifth-rounder. Here’s what Mirror Sport noticed from Rodgers’ Jets arrival and his first press conference.
1. Warm welcome
Rodgers arrived at the Jets facility draped in franchise gear and aviator sunglasses. He was welcomed by Jets co-owner Woody Johnson and Robert Saleh as he walked through the doors at Florham Park in New Jersey.
The future Hall of Famer also met with other members of the front office, including a familiar face from his time at Green Bay.
Rodgers made sure to greet everyone with a handshake, upgrading to hugs for some.
2. Chairman forgets presser handshake
Despite Johnson's tweet to start the day, the co-owner kick-started Wednesday’s press conference with a gushing welcome for Rodgers. “Aaron is a tremendous player - that’s an understatement - and he makes everybody around him better, and we’re so happy to have him,” Johnson said.
“We are delighted, couldn’t be happier to have him as a New York Jet. Welcome to New York, Aaron, I’m glad to have you.”
A star-struck Johnson then handed the stage over to Rodgers, but forgot to shake his new quarterback’s hand. “I thought you were supposed to shake my hand?,” Rodgers quipped before Johnson scurried back to publicly greet him.
3. Packers reunion
Rodgers’ move to the Jets will see him reunite with offensive co-ordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The pair worked together in Green Bay before Hackett moved onto the Denver Broncos.
The iconic NFL quarterback talked up Hackett during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, and has now revealed that the coordinator is a “big reason” behind his arrival in Jersey.
“A big reason I’m here, I’ve got to mention, is Nathaniel Hackett, who’s here,” Rodgers said during his presser. “Hack and I became really close friends [after] three years in Green Bay and I love him like a brother, and I believe in him, and I’m really happy to be back working with him again.”
4. Rodgers reveals Jets admiration
The New York Jets smashing the Packers 27-10 last October perked Rodgers’ interest. “They smoked us last year, so I knew they had a good team,” He said.
In that game, the Packers’ only touchdown was a deep-shot, 25-yard passing touchdown from Rodgers to wide receiver Allen Lazard, who also now plays for the Jets after joining this offseason.
The Packers did, however, manage to keep Jets quarterback Wilson quiet. They limited him to 110 passing yards on ten of 18 passing. Rodgers is expected to oust Wilson as a starter in Jersey.
5. Rodgers and Jets eye second Super Bowl
Despite his legendary quarterback status, Rodgers has just one Super Bowl to his name - as do the Jets.
That’s something Rodgers wants to change after seeing the Jets’ one and only Super Bowl trophy on his way into their facility. “The Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers did however, refuse to commit to playing for the Jets in 2024 and beyond, leaving the player and franchise in an all or nothing situation if their Super Bowl dreams are to become reality. “Right now I’m just going to focus on this season,” Rodgers said. “I’m excited to be here.”
6. Green Bay cell service
Rodgers has addressed assertions that he “ghosted” the Packers, blaming bad cell service at his multi million dollar Green Bay home.
“People who know me, I’m fortunate to live in a beautiful house," he said. "The only downside is I have very limited cell service. So if you want to get a hold of me, I need to see your face. You need to FaceTime me.
“So the only response to the communication thing is, there’s records on your phone about who called you when, FaceTime. There wasn’t any specific FaceTimes from those numbers that I was looking at.”
7. Straight to work
Rodgers will get straight to work with the Jets. In fact, he’s revealed he will get going on Thursday.
Responding to a reporter’s question on practice, Rodgers said: “Does tomorrow count? Yeah, tomorrow. I’ll be in there tomorrow, yeah.”
There is no official practice tomorrow but OTAs are just several weeks away, which Rodgers says he’s looking forward to.
