Aaron Rodgers has broken his silence on his NFL future after completing a darkness retreat to mull over his options in the sport.
The 39-year-old, who is the highest-paid player in NFL history, intends to play for the New York Jets next season and end his incredible tenure at the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers has already spoken with the Jets, having reportedly met with Jets chiefs in Los Angeles to discuss a potential move to the Big Apple. Despite secretly meeting with the officials, he hasn't spoken publicly about his future in the sport.
But on Wednesday, Rodgers made his usual weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show and is discussed everything surrounding his future. Mirror NFL bring you the recap here.
That's all from us for now following the highly anticipated Aaron Rodgers interview.
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He's stated that he wants to play for the New York Jets, and that the Green Bay Packers want to move him on.
A deal is still yet to completed, but could be close!
Now that Aaron Rodgers has signalled his intention to play for the New York Jets, attention has been turned to the potential trade deal.
Earlier today it was reported that the Packers were holding out for two first-round picks, but that may not be the case.
According to a source familiar with negotiations, the Packers are not seeking two first-round picks from the Jets in the Aaron Rodgers deal, contrary to a report this morning. Unclear what exactly they're asking for, but it's not a package that includes multiple first-rounders.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) March 15, 2023
The New York Jets have not featured in a Sunday night game since 2012!
But with Aaron Rodgers set to join, that will certainly change.
The last time the #Jets played on Sunday Night Football was 2012.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 15, 2023
2012!
That will change next season. pic.twitter.com/XCkPSjd2dq
Last week, Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner posted a video where he was joined by Garrett Wilson - the Offensive Rookie of the Year - and Breece Hall around a fire where they burned the cheesehead Gardner donned after New York defeated Green Bay 27-10 win at Lambeau Field.
The trio discussed how they'd feel about Rodgers joining the team, and they were clearly excited about the prospect.
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The Jets will have their most high-profile No. 12 since 'Broadway' Joe Namath, as the Jets legend revealed Rodgers will be allowed to use his jersey number as part of his pitch to join the franchise earlier this offseason.
It will likely go ahead, now.
Zach Wilson grew up idolizing Aaron Rodgers and will now get to sit behind him. The pair have grown a close relationship, according to Ari Meirov.
After two difficult seasons for the second overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, this is a decent situation for him.
With all the hysteria and hype surrounding Rodgers' decision and announcement, the Pat McAfee Show peaked at just over 492,000 viewers.
Rodgers is about to conclude his interview.
Rodgers claimed there was interest from other teams, and mentioned he wanted to play with a particular player.
He suggested there is one player he would have placed on any prospective shortlist - and insinuated that he is talking about Davante Adams, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 39-year-old also revealed Nathaniel Hackett - the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets - added to the allure of joining the AFC East team.
Rodgers appears to be wearing his Super Bowl ring from the 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The quarterback was named Super Bowl XLV MVP in his only championship game.
Rodgers has shut down speculation he gave the Jets a list of players to sign before any prosepective trade.
However, the quarterback heaped praise on new Jets signing Allen Lazard as well as commenting on Odell Beckham Jr., adding: "Who wouldn't want a player like Odell?"
Rodgers has finally confirmed he has made his decision and wants to play for the New York Jets.
"Since Friday my intention is to play for the New York Jets," he said. "I made it clear I wanted to play and play for the New York Jets.
"The Packerswant to move on, they have made that clear in so many words."
Rodgers also confirmed the deal is not done - but it's a matter of getting it done by this point as the Jets and Packers work to hammer out a deal.
"When I came out of the darkness, something changed.
"I realised there had been a little bit of a shift. I heard from multiple people around the league I trust - players, mostly - that I was being shopped."
Rodgers reveals he was '90%' leaning towards retirement when he entered his darkness retreat.
"This is to tell you the situation as there have been changes. In 2020, they drafted Jordan [Love] to replace me... As is the case with the Packers, they like to get rid of players a year early than a year late.
"They thought it was time to make a change."
Rodgers added: "The front office now looks completely different from when I was drafted, the Packers now have a new regime."
"I will say this, this isn't a decision day. This isn't announcing to the world what's going on. We're days past this.
"This is clearing things up."
Jets fans look set to wait.
Rodgers revealed he had hallucinations during his darkness retreat while he tried to visualise what it would be like to retire from the NFL after 18 seasons.
He used the retreat to get away from the NFL and weigh up his decision.
"The darkness gave me a lot of time to contemplate everything... It was a great reset for me, my body and mind."
Rodgers was in his darkness retreat for five days and four nights back in February.
The Pat McAfee Show is enjoying a break - and Rodgers will be joining shortly. There are now well over 300,000 people watching on YouTube, so lets see if the quarterback gives the people what they want!
Rodgers has been criticised by NFL Network reporter James Palmer, who accused him of “holding two franchises hostage” during an important period of the offseason as franchises can negotiate with free agents.
The 39-year-old will be on the Pat McAfee Show in five minutes.
The Jets appear to be addressing Rodgers' wish-list for now, at least.
Allen Lazard signed with the franchise yesterday, while they could move for Packers veteran Randall Cobb as he is now a free agent. The franchise have also been linked with Marcedes Lewis.
Rodgers may not have confirmed he wants to join the Jets, but has apparently told the Jets who he wants them to sign.
The Jets were apparently handed a wish-list of free agents, including Odell Beckham Jr, that Rodgers wanted to play with.
Rodgers has been notably silent over his future in the sport, but apparently sent a text to Pat McAfee on Tuesday saying: "I think it’s time to let the world know what’s going on."
The NFL star hasn't commented yet on whether he will continue playing in the NFL or retire.
Hello and welcome to Mirror Sport's live blog for Aaron Rodgers' first interview discussing his NFL career.
The Green Bay Packers star is set to discuss his future with Pat McAfee and will likely give an indication over whether he will retire or continue playing.
