Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers was officially introduced as the New York Jets’ quarterback on Wednesday, two days after his trade from the Green Bay Packers was first reported.
Outside of Rodgers’ brilliance on the field, he’s been known to provide a quote or two when talking to the media. That did not change as the future Hall of Famer was introduced to the Jets’ media.
“This is building right now. He’s building something special the right way with the right values, the right type of leadership,” an obviously excited Rodgers told reporters. “I think I can just fit in perfectly. I’m not here to be a savior of any kind. I’m just here to be the best quarterback I can be, to lead authentically and to inspire the guys around me to raise their level of play.”
Rodgers’ move from Green Bay to Jersey comes after he played 18 seasons with the Packers. It’s foreign territory for the Northern California native, one that he’s willing to embrace without being seen as a franchise savior. Here’s a look at some takeaways from his intro press conference.
Related: Winners and losers from Aaron Rodgers trade
Aaron Rodgers talks why he changed jersey numbers
For the Super Bowl winner, it was pretty simple. Rodgers believes that Jets legend Joe Namath is the only member of the franchise who should be sporting the No. 12 jersey.
“To me, number 12 is Broadway Joe,” Rodgers told reporters.
Namath is the only quarterback to lead New York to a Super Bowl title. It came back in Super Bowl 3 after he guaranteed a win over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.
Namath remains one of the most decorated players in Jets history. And while he gave Rodgers’ permission to wear the No. 12 jersey, the Jets’ current quarterback didn’t think it made sense. Instead, Rodgers goes back to the No. 8 jersey he sported with the University of California in college.
Aaron Rodgers opens up about Super Bowl expectations
Speaking of the Jets’ only Super Bowl win, one thought came to mind when Rodgers entered the Jets’ facility Wednesday morning. “That Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely,” the QB told reporters.
Rodgers also addressed Jets fans directly.
“I know it’s been a long time since we’ve been in the playoffs, even longer since we’ve been in the Super Bowl, but I promise you I’m as hungry as you guys are and I’m excited to be a part of something special this year,” a smiling Rodgers told Jets fans.
Rodgers, 39, joins a Jets team that finished 7-10 last season despite starting 6-3. A lot of that had to do with the anemic performance of the Zach Wilson-led offense, which finished 29th in the league in scoring. New York’s defense yielded the fourth-fewest points in the NFL at just 18.6 points per game. Rodgers got a first-hand view of that unit during a 27-10 home loss to the Jets back on Oct. 16.
Aaron Rodgers confirms he’ll play beyond 2023
“This isn’t a one and done in my mind. This is a commitment,” the QB said. “I’m going to be here for the foreseeable future.”
This was one of the hiccups in trade talks between the Jets and Packers surrounding Rodgers. Initially, New York wanted the draft pick it sent to Green Bay in 2024 to be conditional based on whether Rodgers plays beyond next season. Instead, it is conditional based on playing time in 2023.
Rodgers seemed to calm some nerves in Jersey regarding him potentially being one-and-done. For a Jets team that has youngsters set to take the next step, this is no small thing. Rodgers made it clear that he plans on this being a longer-term relationship.