FLORHAM PARK, N.J.– Aaron Rodgers strolled into the Jets’ center on Wednesday for his initial press conference to applause from staffers after they enjoyed a montage of his highlights from his 18-year period with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers, the quarterback for whom the Jets traded today after a prolonged settlement procedure, had actually landed in New Jersey the night prior to. On Wednesday early morning, he went to conferences with Jets authorities while barefoot, Coach Robert Saleh stated. Rodgers likewise strolled past a case holding the group’s only Super Bowl prize, which the Jets won in the 1968 season, and stated he discovered it was “getting lonesome.”
Rodgers appeared unwinded and in the house throughout his very first main day as a Jet, bringing optimism that a person of the best quarterbacks of the contemporary age can bring back success to a franchise in the N.F.L.’s biggest market. The Jets have actually not made the playoffs because 2010, owning the longest postseason dry spell in significant North American guys’s expert sports, however the group and Rodgers hope that his arrival– even towards completion of his profession– will end that streak.
” I’m an old man, so I wish to become part of a group that can win all of it, and I think that this is a location where we get that done,” stated the 39-year-old Rodgers.
The Jets and Packers formally accepted trade terms on Wednesday after news of the offer broke on Monday. The Jets sent out the No. 13 general choice in this year’s draft, in addition to 2 later-round choices and a conditional second-round choice in the 2024 N.F.L. draft, in exchange for Rodgers, the No. 15 choice and a later-round choice in this year’s draft. The preliminary starts Thursday in Kansas City, Mo.
Rodgers won a Super Bowl, appeared in 4 other N.F.C. national championship and won one of the most Prized possession Gamer Award 4 times while with the Packers. However he grew irritated with the franchise over the previous 2 seasons since of a viewed absence of input over workers choices, to name a few complaints. Rodgers mentioned his stretched relationship with the Packers on Wednesday when he blamed bad mobile phone reception at his house as a factor he had actually not interacted with Green Bay authorities this off-season.
After the Packers ended up 8-9 last season and missed out on the playoffs, Rodgers pondered retiring. A cadre of Jets executives in March– consisting of Saleh, the group owner Woody Johnson and General Supervisor Joe Douglas– checked out Rodgers in Malibu, Calif., which discussion assisted sway Rodgers to sign up with the Jets, he stated.
” At that point, I seemed like this is where I was expected to be,” Rodgers stated. “I actually attempt and listen to the indications and synchronicities that deep space puts in our face every day, and this was generally the instructions that whatever was pointing.”
Later On in March, Rodgers appeared on the previous N.F.L. punter Pat McAfee’s program and stated he meant to bet the Jets. In the weeks after, Douglas and Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ basic supervisor, openly stated they wished to complete an offer, however settlements extended over 6 weeks as the groups’ front workplaces stalemated over settlement. Rodgers, however, stated he was positive the trade would get done.
” I thought it was going to occur the whole time, it was simply a matter of, I believe, waiting each other out,” Rodgers stated. He included: “I think there was some significant synchronization to make this occur, however I’m fired up about the chance here“
Rodgers played under Nathaniel Hackett, who was employed as the Jets’ offending planner in January, for 3 seasons in Green Bay, and he stated their strong bond was another selling point for signing up with the Jets.
The Jets’ lineup likewise consists of last season’s offending novice of the year, receiver Garrett Wilson, and the protective novice of the year, cornerback Sauce Gardner– 2 gamers who had actually freely hired Rodgers. Gardner and other gamers altered their social networks profile images to an image of Rodgers in college, and Gardner likewise videotaped himself burning a Packers cheesehead hat in Rodgers’s honor.
The Jets’ 2022 season began promisingly at 6-3, behind a stout running video game and among the league’s finest defenses. However ineffective play from quarterback Zach Wilson, the No. 2 general choice in the 2021 N.F.L. draft, triggered Saleh to bench him with 7 video games left in the season. With that instability under center and substantial injuries, most especially to the novice running back Breece Hall, the Jets ended up 7-10 and missed out on the playoffs.
Rodgers stated he wishes to be a coach to Zach Wilson, with whom he had a previous relationship, and to be a leader in the locker space. Saleh stated Rodgers ought to be a supporting existence, which his option of the Jets was recognition that the franchise is effectively restoring itself.
” Clearly you can argue that our arrow’s punctuating,” Saleh stated.
Rodgers stated he pictured being with the Jets past this season, however stated he did not wish to concentrate on the future. His representative, David Dunn, went to the press conference, and Rodgers stated he and the Jets would reorganize his agreement. However for nevertheless long Rodgers remains a Jet, Johnson stated he would be content.
” With whatever he wishes to do, we’re excellent,” Johnson stated. “We’re so pleased he’s here. This is transformative.”