FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Aaron Rodgers walked into the Jets’ facility on Wednesday for his introductory information convention to applause from staffers when they watched a montage of his highlights from his 18-year tenure with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers, the quarterback for whom the Jets traded this week after a long negotiation procedure, had landed in New Jersey the night time ahead of. On Wednesday morning, he attended conferences with Jets officers whilst barefoot, Coach Robert Saleh mentioned. Rodgers additionally walked previous a case keeping the staff’s most effective Super Bowl trophy, which the Jets received within the 1968 season, and mentioned he spotted it was once “getting lonely.”
Rodgers gave the impression at ease and at house all through his first legit day as a Jet, bringing optimism that one of the most largest quarterbacks of the trendy technology can repair luck to a franchise within the NFL’s greatest marketplace. The Jets have now not made the playoffs since 2010, proudly owning the longest postseason drought in primary North American males’s skilled sports activities, however the staff and Rodgers hope that his arrival — even towards the tip of his occupation — will finish that streak.
“I’m an old guy, so I want to be part of a team that can win it all, and I believe this is a place where we can get that done,” mentioned the 39-year-old Rodgers.
The Jets and Packers formally agreed to industry phrases on Wednesday after information of the deal broke on Monday. The Jets despatched the No. 13 general select on this yr’s draft, in addition to two later-round alternatives and a conditional second-round select within the 2024 NFL draft, in alternate for Rodgers, the No. 15 select and a later-round select on this yr’s draft. The first around starts Thursday in Kansas City, Mo.
Rodgers received a Super Bowl, gave the impression in 4 different NFC championship video games and received the Most Valuable Player Award 4 occasions whilst with the Packers. But he grew disgruntled with the franchise over the last two seasons on account of a perceived loss of enter over group of workers selections, amongst different grievances. Rodgers alluded to his strained dating with the Packers on Wednesday when he blamed deficient telephone reception at his house as a explanation why he had now not communicated with Green Bay officers this low season.
After the Packers completed 8-9 ultimate season and overlooked the playoffs, Rodgers pondered retiring. A cadre of Jets executives in March — together with Saleh, the staff proprietor Woody Johnson and General Manager Joe Douglas — visited Rodgers in Malibu, Calif., and that dialog helped sway Rodgers to enroll in the Jets, he mentioned.
“At that point, I felt like this is where I was supposed to be,” Rodgers mentioned. “I really try and listen to the signs and synchronicities that the universe puts in our face every day, and this was basically the direction that everything was pointing.”
Later in March, Rodgers gave the impression on former NFL punter Pat McAfee’s display and mentioned he meant to play for the Jets. In the weeks after, Douglas and Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ common supervisor, publicly mentioned they sought after to finalize a deal, however negotiations stretched over six weeks because the groups’ entrance workplaces stalemated over reimbursement. Rodgers, despite the fact that, mentioned he was once assured the industry would get accomplished.
“I believed it was going to happen the entire time, it was just a matter of, I think, waiting each other out,” Rodgers mentioned. He added: “I consider there was once some primary synchronization to make this occur, however I’m fascinated about the chance right here.,
Rodgers performed beneath Nathaniel Hackett, who was once employed because the Jets’ offensive coordinator in January, for 3 seasons in Green Bay, and he mentioned their sturdy bond was once some other promoting level for becoming a member of the Jets.
The Jets’ roster additionally contains ultimate season’s offensive rookie of the yr, receiver Garrett Wilson, and the defensive rookie of the yr, cornerback Sauce Gardner — two avid gamers who had overtly recruited Rodgers. Gardner and different avid gamers modified their social media profile footage to a photograph of Rodgers in school, and Gardner additionally videotaped himself burning a Packers cheesehead hat in Rodgers’ honor.
The Jets’ 2022 season began promisingly at 6-3, at the back of a stout operating recreation and one of the most league’s highest defenses. But inefficient play from quarterback Zach Wilson, the No. The 2 general select within the 2021 NFL draft led to Saleh to bench him with seven video games left within the season. With that instability beneath middle and critical accidents, maximum particularly to rookie operating again Breece Hall, the Jets completed 7–10 and overlooked the playoffs.
Rodgers mentioned he hopes to be a mentor to Zach Wilson, with whom he had a prior friendship, and to be a pacesetter within the locker room. Saleh mentioned Rodgers will have to be a stabilizing presence, and that his selection of the Jets was once validation that the franchise is effectively rebuilding itself.
“Obviously you can argue that our arrow’s pointing up,” Saleh mentioned.
Rodgers mentioned he envisioned being with the Jets previous this season, however mentioned he didn’t wish to center of attention at the long run. His agent, David Dunn, attended the scoop convention, and Rodgers mentioned he and the Jets would restructure his contract. But for alternatively lengthy Rodgers remains a Jet, Johnson mentioned he could be content material.
“With whatever he wants to do, we’re good,” Johnson mentioned. “We’re so glad he is right here. This is transformative.