Aaron Rodgers reveals reason behind flip-flopping on NFL future as Jets look at uncertain 2025
Aaron Rodgers is in a position that he never foresaw happening in his career: He is on a terrible team. The New York Jets thought they were getting the multiple-time MVP when they traded for him in 2023, but he lasted just four snaps before Leonard Floyd tore his Achilles on a low hit.
After a revolutionary surgery and rehab process, he returned to the field in September but has instead looked like a shell of his former self.
That has led to speculation that he may be retiring after this season, and he intensified it further when explaining his wavering commitment to the press on Wednesday:
"(Jets general manager) Joe (Douglas) got axed (on Nov. 19). Joe brought me in here. There's uncertainty with the staff, so I'm not naive to what the situation is. If a new GM comes in and they don't retain (interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich), I have to fit in those plans.
"Like I said on Pat's show (McAfee), this is my first option. I'd love to play here if I end up deciding to play, but there's got to be the want for them to bring me back and for me to play. But 'I think so' was the truth and 'I'm not 100% sure' is also the truth today."
Rodgers also expressed frustration at the Jets' problem with leaks in the wake of multiple revelations of the dysfunction that has consumed the organization:
"One hundred percent yes," Rodgers said. "I think it starts with figuring out what they are and putting a stop to it."
Aaron Rodgers will remain Jets starter as long as he is healthy, says interim HC Jeff Ulbrich
Meanwhile, Jeff Ulbrich shared his thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' status for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks:
“As long as he’s healthy, my plan is to play him. And I know talking to him, that’s the way he wants to do it, too. ... After my conversations with him the last five or six weeks, he has felt healthier today than he’s felt in that time span. So, excited to see a healthier version of Aaron out there.”
There had been plans to bench the former Green Bay Packer in favor of Tyrod Taylor, but eventually, pride got in the way:
“He wants to finish this thing off right. He wants to celebrate this team that we have and have a good taste in our mouths as we leave this season.”
The Jets-Seahawks game kicks off at 1 PM ET on Fox.