At 41, Aaron Rodgers finds himself at a career crossroads.
The future Hall of Famer, known for his competitive edge and sometimes prickly personality, appears to be embracing a new perspective as the end of his playing days looms. During his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers notoriously avoided mentoring his eventual successor, Jordan Love, but now, with the New York Jets, his stance seems to have softened.
Reflecting on his time in Green Bay, Rodgers admitted the pressure of having Love waiting in the wings impacted his mindset. “When they drafted Jordan, I felt like I was one bad stretch from being benched—and I won MVP a couple of years, so that’s the way the league is,” Rodgers told ESPN on Wednesday. This admission underscores the cutthroat nature of the NFL, where even MVPs aren’t immune to the specter of younger talent.
Rodgers now appears ready to embrace the role of mentor if the Jets decide to draft a quarterback in 2025. “If [the Jets] asked me back and they drafted a guy, I’d mentor the hell out of him if I was playing,” Rodgers said. “And I’d try to play as well as I could to keep him on the bench.”
The Jets, however, are navigating choppy waters heading into the 2025 offseason. With both their head coach and general manager positions vacant, the organization faces significant decisions. Chief among them is whether to retain Rodgers, who has had an inconsistent 2024 season but recently showed flashes of his old self.
Rodgers’ struggles this season could be attributed to several factors. At his age, Father Time is undoubtedly a looming adversary, but the Jets’ offensive dysfunction has also played a role. The team has already fired its offensive coordinator, signaling broader issues that have weighed on the veteran quarterback.
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Despite the challenges, Rodgers hasn’t ruled out continuing his career, though he’s keeping all options open. “I’m going to take some time after the year—unless I get released right away—but I’ll still take some time whether or not I want to play,” Rodgers said. “But I’ll take some time to get away from it, either way.”
Financially, Rodgers recognizes his diminished leverage. No longer commanding the massive deals of his prime, he has expressed willingness to be flexible with his contract. “I’m open to everything,” he remarked, acknowledging the realities of his age and the potential preferences of a new Jets regime.
Interestingly, Rodgers sees mentorship as a way to enhance his value, whether in New York or elsewhere. His willingness to help groom a successor represents a shift in attitude that could make him an attractive option for a team in transition.
Still, the Jets have to weigh whether Rodgers is part of their long-term vision. While his Week 15 performance—289 yards and three touchdowns—reminded fans of his capability, it may be too little, too late. The decision ultimately rests with the incoming leadership team, and Rodgers understands that his future with the team is far from guaranteed.
“I know I’m not the one calling the shots anymore,” Rodgers said. His acknowledgment reflects a level of self-awareness uncommon in the NFL, where many veterans resist the inevitability of change.
For now, everything remains on the table for Rodgers. Whether he returns to the Jets, moves to another team, or retires altogether, one thing is clear: he’s no longer playing solely for himself. His willingness to mentor a young quarterback could mark a new chapter in his storied career, and perhaps, his most lasting legacy.