Aaron Rodgers is all in with the New York Jets. So much so, that the future Hall of Famer left $35 million in guaranteed money on the table to try and help the Jets win their first Super Bowl since 1969.
That’s just one big example of how Rodgers is embracing his role as franchise savior in New York after being acquired this offseason from the Green Bay Packers. There are other examples, many more subtle than restructuring his contract and taking a pay cut from $110 million over the next two seasons to $75 million.
“I think it says a lot when the best player on your football team and a Hall of Famer, is willing to sacrifice something because he wants to win,” coach Robert Saleh said. “For him to take a shot on us, I think, speaks volumes. And we’re grateful for that.
“This was Aaron. Aaron wanted to do this.”
Saving money against the salary cap affords the Jets a better opportunity to sign free agent running back Dalvin Cook, for example. Not so coincidentally, Cook is visiting the Jets this weekend, two days after Rodgers put pen to paper and signed his new contract.
But it’s not just taking less money that’s endeared Rodgers to his new teammates and coaches.
Aaron Rodgers fitting in with new team
The 39-year-old has embraced everything about New York and being a Jet. And remember, this is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history coming to a woebegone franchise, best known as “Same Old Jets” for their missteps and lack of success. Though on the upswing with young stars like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Quinnen Williams, the Jets have not made the playoffs in 12 seasons.
Aaron Rodgers said he’s “rejuvenated” by the trade to New York. Saleh said the 18-year veteran “looks like a little kid out there,” throwing dimes during team drills, joking with teammates and coaching players up on schemes and technique.
He’s even taken Zach Wilson under his wing. The same Zach Wilson who idolized Rodgers as a kid growing up in Utah. The same Zach Wilson whom he was acquired to replace as QB1 in New York.
The transition from long-time Packer to Jets newcomer has been exceptionally smooth for Rodgers. That’s due in large part to Rodgers. He’s been affable and approachable, not aloof at all. From attending Broadway plays with tight end C.J. Uzomah to NBA and NHL playoff games at Madison Square Garden with various teammates and seeing Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran concerts at his new home, MetLife Stadium, Rodgers is at once a superstar and simply one of the guys.
“I’m having a blast, so I don’t really see this as a one-year-and-done thing,” Rodgers said.
Aaron Rodgers sheepishly accepted some serious bling as a present from Gardner earlier in training camp. Rodgers is 17 years Sauce’s senior. But they’ve bridged the generation gap and connected.
Connecting with the defensive players
In fact, Aaron Rodgers has gone out of his way to connect with defensive players, like Gardner, not just those who play on offense. He was seen this week on the defensive sideline during team drills, asking questions and sharing insights.
“I think it’s important we communicate because if we’re just trying to beat each other’s (butts) in practice, that’s great for competition-wise but we’re not actually getting better,” Rodgers explained. “I think the sharing of information is really important for all of us so that we get on the same page and take that next step.”
That’s an example of why Saleh said Rodgers’ greatest gift is his football intelligence.
“His superpower is going to be above the neck,” Saleh said.
But Aaron Rodgers can still play, too. He’s looked every part of the star quarterback the Jets have desired since Joe Namath rode off into the sunset in the mid-1970’s.
In 2022, playing with an injured thumb, his numbers dipped after consecutive MVP seasons. The Jets need Rodgers to be the difference maker Wilson and so many before him were not. Especially because New York already has a top-5 defense. They just need the offense to hold up its end of the bargain.
At his introductory press conference, Rodgers quipped that walking through the Jets facilities he passed the Super Bowl III trophy and thought it “looked lonely.”
That’s another important thing Rodgers has brought to New York. A belief that all things are possible. That they are no longer the Same Old Jets. At least not with their transformative quarterback leading the way.