This weekend Aaron Rodgers will take to the field for his 241st – and potentially his last – NFL start. The veteran quarterback will lead the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins in the regular season closer with his future hanging in the balance.
Now 41 years old, Rodger’s deal with the Jets expires at the end of the season. The Jets recently parted company with former head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas; the new regime will likely have a new target in mind for the QB role.
“I’m just more resigned to the reality of the situation,” Rodgers said, when asked if he expects to stay with the Jets. “I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.”
Despite those fond memories, Rodgers’ time with the Jets has not lived up to expectations. He missed nearly the entirety of the 2023 season due to an Achilles injury and has only managed to take the team to a 4-12 record this season.
“I’m disappointed about the performance with myself and as a team, but really thankful for the opportunity,” he continued. “If I feel good coming back and they want to make another run at this, that’d be fantastic, but I’m not naïve to the situation we’re in.”
His appearance at MetLife Stadium this weekend has little on the line for his team with their playoff hopes long since extinguished. Nevertheless, 20 years into his stellar professional career, there are still milestones in sight for Rodgers.
He is just one away from becoming the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 touchdown passes, joining a very select club. If he can add another 115 to his total career passing yards, he will overtake Matt Ryan and claimed seventh in the all-time NFL rankings.
About The Author
