Even though the Green Bay Packers have not traded Aaron Rodgers, he’s all but gone. After weeks of rumors strongly linking the four-time NFL MVP to the New York Jets, the 39-year-old QB finally commented on the situation himself.
Making a highly anticipated appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Rodgers addressed the trade rumors while making his feelings strongly known that he’d love to take his talent to the Big Apple.
“Since Friday, my intention has been to play and play for the New York Jets. I’d like play for the Jets.”
Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday’s The Pat McAfee Show appearance
While Rodgers is clearly ready to move on, he isn’t ready to dismiss the past. He made sure to state how much he loves Green Bay and its loyal fanbase. Yet, Rodgers also notes it may be best for each side to move on, with Jordan Love finally getting his chance at the starting role four years after becoming the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Rodgers also dismissed the notion that he had a list of demands for the Jets on players to sign. Yet, he did confirm that he spoke with the team at length about certain players who he’s played with in the past, voicing his opinion on their work ethic and locker room presence.
He even provided a bit of a gem, saying he doesn’t know how ESPN’s Adam Schefter got a hold of his phone number, but he didn’t appreciate it, telling the NFL insider to “lose my number.” It’s a report Schefter later confirmed as well.
If Rodgers has indeed played his last down with the Packers, he’ll be leaving as one of their all-time greats, walking away with one Lombardi Trophy and over 59,000 passing yards.
- Aaron Rodgers stats with Packers: 147-75-1 W/L, 59,005 passing yards, 475 TD, 105 INT
Yet, the Jets will be happy to add not only a capable starter but a ten-time Pro Bowl QB. If he can quickly lead coach Robert Saleh’s team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, he will already be a hero in the eyes of some members of the Gang Green.
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Green Bay Packers holding up Aaron Rodgers trade
So, what’s the holdup? According to Rodgers, the Packers may be ready to move on mentally, but working out the actual trade compensation with the Jets hasn’t been so simple.
“I haven’t been holding anything up at this point it’s been compensation that the Packers are trying to get for me, kind of digging their heels in, it is interesting at this point to step back and take a look at the whole picture”
Aaron Rodgers on Packers trying to figure out compensation with Jets
Everyone always wants to criticize Rodgers for ‘creating more drama,’ yet in this case, the cause for the delay and gossip actually falls on the Packers’ hands. Moving on from such a franchise icon can’t be easy. Moving forward with caution makes sense, especially if Love can’t live up to the standard set before him by two Hall of Fame QBs with Brett Favre and now Rodgers.