(Florham Park) Aaron Rodgers believes he is in the right place at the right time. And the New York Jets’ new quarterback believes he can achieve great things with his new team.
The holder of four NFL MVP awards was introduced to the media, coaches and staff Wednesday in the New York team auditorium, alongside head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
“It’s an incredible day,” admitted the 39-year-old veteran.
The Jets confirmed the trade just moments before Rodgers entered the auditorium.
The Jets got Rodgers, the 15th pick as well as another fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft from the Packers. In return, the Packers acquired the 13th pick, a second-round pick (42nd overall) and a sixth-round pick going into this year’s draft, in addition to a conditional second-round draft pick from the next year — who could become a first-round pick if Rodgers plays more than 65% of the Jets’ games next season.
Rodgers spent his first 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, winning them a Super Bowl while cementing his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
“That chapter (of my career) is over, and I’m looking forward to a new challenge here in New York,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers said he chose the Jets because he believes in the philosophy of the organization, which will rely on a core of young players including offensive rookie of the year (Garrett Wilson) and defensive rookie of the year (Gardner sauce).
“I’m an old man so I want to end up with a team that can win and I believe we can achieve that here,” he summed up.
Rodgers is aware of the Jets’ dearth, which is going through the longest active streak (12 seasons) without making the playoffs. He also knows the team hasn’t been to the Super Bowl since Joe Namath led their offense in 1969.
“This Super Bowl III trophy looks good on its own,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers declined to discuss his future beyond next season, preferring to say he’s focused on the one that’s coming up and “the short-term future.”
“I’m not a savior,” Rodgers insisted.