Aaron Rodgers is saying the quiet part out loud days ahead of the Jets’ season finale.
It could be his last game as an NFL quarterback.
“This game has given me a lot,” he said. “I’ve given a lot back to it, and I’m thankful for it. I won’t be thinking about that on game day. I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m trying to stay in the moment, but, of course, it’s been a long career. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish, and I’m also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”
Rodgers, 41, admitted the potential end of his career is on his mind ahead of the game against the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.
He also wasn’t closing the door on a return to the Jets, but with New York moving on from coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas this season, widespread change appears imminent.
And the aging Rodgers knows that probably includes him.
“I’m just more resigned to the reality of the situation,” Rodgers said. “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.”
Rodgers, who spent most of his career winning in Green Bay, arrived in the Big Apple surrounded by hype in April 2023.
He ran onto the field in front of home fans carrying an American flag before Monday Night Football that September, but tore his Achilles four plays into the game and missed the season.
Rodgers has stayed healthy this season but has thrown for a disappointing 24 touchdowns passes and 10 interceptions while looking like a diminished version of his former MVP self.
The Jets, who began the season with big expectations, are 4-12.
“I’m disappointed about the performance with myself and as a team, but really thankful for the opportunity,” Rodgers said. “If I feel good coming back and they want to make another run at this, that’d be fantastic, but I’m not naive to the situation we’re in.”
Rodgers hopes to speak with the next GM at some point, he said.
If it is the end, Rodgers will go down as one of the greatest QBs of all time. He’s started 241 games, won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl (2011), made 10 Pro Bowls and is seventh all-time with 62,678 passing yards.
Rodgers also sits at 499 passing touchdowns, which is fifth all-time and nine behind fellow Packers’ legend Brett Favre.
Kickoff between the Jets and Dolphins is at 1 p.m.
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