As the 2024 NFL season nears it’s end, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains undecided about his future in football.
In the final week of the season, Rodgers announced he would take a break before making any decisions regarding his career. Now, as the new year unfolds, the four-time MVP is sticking to that plan.
Appearing today on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers clarified that he’s still enjoying his time away from the field and is focused on taking care of his body and mind.
He also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ front office, noting that the team has yet to hire a general manager or head coach. Until those positions are filled, Rodgers explained, he’s not ready to make any firm decisions about his playing future.
“I told them I’m going to take some time,” Rodgers said. “They haven’t made a decision on a GM or a coach yet. Once that happens, that will take us to the next step which is a conversation I’m assuming with whoever that individual is. But this is a time where I’m taking time for my body and my mind to clear things.”
For Jets fans hoping for a clear answer, patience will be key.
Even if Rodgers ultimately chooses to return for the 2025 season, there’s no guarantee the Jets will welcome him back. The team could opt for a different path, potentially selecting a quarterback in the draft or signing a different veteran.
As a matter of fact, many Jets fans are hoping that’s exactly what will happen. While he still has his supporters, there are some Gang Green fans who are simply sick and tired of Rodgers being their quarterback.
In his first full season with New York, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
While there were flashes of his old brilliance, including some vintage moments that brought back memories of his MVP days, the Jets’ offense lacked the consistency necessary for sustained success.
Rodgers’ former teammate, Brett Favre, sees enough potential in the quarterback to believe he could still perform at a high level in 2025.
Favre, reflecting on Rodgers’ strong performance in the Jets’ Week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins, praised his ability to make all the right throws, even if it came a bit late in the season.
“If you want to play, if there’s anything in your gut that’s telling you, man, I think I could go one more year then I would say do it,” Favre told TMZ Sports. “Because you can’t go back. Once you leave, that’s it. You move on.
“If there’s any little inkling in him that he wants to play and prove that he can still do it at a high level I would say do it.”
Favre pointed out that Rodgers’ impressive showing in Week 18 was what Jets fans thought they were going to get all along. And even though it came late, it’s still apparent that the four-time MVP still has “it.”
“Well, where’s that been? That’s the Aaron Rodgers we know. He’s making all the throws. Guys are responding to it. Where’s that been all year? I don’t know. But I do think he has some juice left in the tank,” Favre said.
Rodgers is still under contract with the Jets for one more year, but whether that will impact his decision or the team’s stance on his future remains unclear.
Meanwhile, speculation about Rodgers potentially joining other teams is already circulating.
One possible landing spot is rumored to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shut down the possibility of Rodgers donning a Pittsburgh uniform in 2025.
Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, Dulac made it clear that the Steelers have no interest in pursuing the veteran quarterback.
“I can tell you it won’t be Aaron Rodgers. They have no interest in doing that,” Dulac said.
The good thing is Rodgers’ decision shouldn’t drag on too long.
As he said, the first order of business is for the Jets to hire a coach and general manager. At that point, firm decisions can and will be made.
When it’s all said and done, where do you think Rodgers will be playing next season? … Or can you see him actually retiring???
