What did Joe Namath have to say about Aaron Rodgers wearing his #12 jersey? Jets legend makes his opinion clear
Aaron Rodgers has announced to the world that his intention is to play for the New York Jets in the 2023 season. The quarterback made his decision public during his weekly Wednesday appearance on Pat McAfee's show, and he has already communicated to the Green Bay Packers his wish to be traded.
The only thing in Rodgers' way is the compensation for the deal, but both the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers are in talks to make it official.
As Rodgers prepares to move to a new team, one important subject that has come up is his jersey number. He used #12 throughout his entire career with the Packers, but the New York Jets have retired the number to celebrate Joe Namath's career. Namath is the only quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl for the team.
"Since Friday my intention was to play for the New York Jets.. it's the compensation that's holding things up" ~ @AaronRodgers12
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Would it be a problem for him if the team un-retired the #12 jersey to allow Rodgers to wear the number? Not at all, as he said during his appearance at the Tiki & Tierney Show in January.
"I hope it can come true but it's farfetched: I know Mr. [Jets owner Woody] Johnson's trying to get a quarterback. If there's a way he can get Rodgers," Namath said. "I'm a big Rodgers fan, and I noticed that he wears number 12, of course. Man, if we get him, is he still going to [be] wearing number 12? Because that number was retired years ago. And I'd sure love Rodgers if he's there. Yeah, I want him to wear his number. We established ourselves and we've got a real respect for our numbers, and Aaron Rodgers, God almighty, yeah! It'd be great to have him in New York."
Will Aaron Rodgers play for the New York Jets?
Yes, he will, even if the teams are still finding some common ground regarding the compensation for the trade.
Rodgers wants the Jets, who also want Rodgers, and the Packers need to clean up their salary cap. The veteran quarterback understands that Green Bay wants to move forward with Jordan Love as their franchise quarterback and he still wants to play in the NFL.
The four-time MVP has repeated on the podcast that he's fine with Green Bay's decision and that he wishes the best for Love. But it's time for both sides to move in a different direction, and his wish is to play in New York.