Aaron Rodgers lays out his NFL retirement plan to New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers has eased New York Jets fans' fears that he could be one-and-done with the franchise as he prepares for the NFL season.
The 39-year-old, a four-time league MVP, had flirted with retirement in his final years with the Green Bay Packers, but he has made clear he plans to play for at least two seasons with the Jets – unless the Lombardi Trophy is in his hands in February.
The Jets gave up a significant amount – likely two first-round picks depending on how many games Rodgers plays this season – and the one-time Super Bowl champion wants to repay his new team for their investment.
"The Jets gave up a lot for me, so to just play one year would be a disservice," Rodgers told ESPN. "Now if that one year turns out to be a magical year, who knows? It's more than that. It's how my body feels, and I've made some changes this offseason with some training and diet."
Rodgers has been getting down to business with his new teammates this week after training camp began at Florham Park on Wednesday, with huge optimism that the franchise can finally contend for a title after failing to make the playoffs in the past 12 seasons.
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Head coach Robert Saleh insists he is not looking too far into the future when it comes to his new quarterback, but he said he would be "shocked" if Rodgers was not back with the Jets in 2024.
"I don't want to back him into a corner and make him commit to something like that," Saleh said. "I just want him to have fun and know that when he walks in this building to let loose and have a little bit of fun, BS with the guys, come in the office, come talk to us and just enjoy playing football.
New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh says he would be "shocked" if Aaron Rodgers was not back with the team in 2024. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)"Odds are if you enjoy playing football, you're going to want to keep doing it. I wouldn't put pressure on him to commit to something like that anyway, but I'd be shocked if he doesn't play multiple years. He looks like a little kid out there."
Rodgers has indeed been enjoying his fresh start after 18 years with the Packers, saying the move to New York has "rejuvenated" him.
"I have really enjoyed the city, being able to go out to restaurants and concerts and MSG (Madison Square Garden). You got so many sporting events. That's been really fun for me. As much as I love Green Bay and have so much affection for that place, it's a bit slower.
"This has definitely rejuvenated me. I'm excited to be in a new spot, excited to meet the new guys, and just be around it all."
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