Aaron Rodgers did not end up being Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, but the quarterback has hinted that it was his choice and not the other way around.
After Rodgers made just four appearances for the Jets before tearing his Achilles tendon, it seemed possible he would never return to the team after the New York Times reported that he was on RFK Jr.’s VP shortlist. was standing.
And while the presidential candidate ultimately chose tech entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate, Rodgers has suggested it was his job to turn it down.
‘I love Bobby. We had some really nice conversations,” Rodgers told reporters at the Jets facility on Tuesday.
‘But there were actually two options. It was retire and be his VP or continue playing. And I wanted to keep playing.”
Aaron Rodgers has hinted that it was his choice not to be RFK Jr.’s VP candidate
Rodgers and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – a fellow vaccine skeptic – are pretty good friends
Rodgers and Kennedy Jr. have built a relationship in recent years, with both men particularly skeptical of vaccines.
Clearly, Rodgers feels like he has unfinished business with the Jets after missing almost the entire 2024 season, during which the team limped to a 7-10 finish without him.
The quarterback was unable to make the sensationally brief injury comeback during the season that he suggested was possible, but nevertheless told reporters Tuesday that he’s feeling “really good.”
It has been more than eight months since his Achilles tendon rupture on September 11th.
“I feel really good, it’s just the mental part,” he said.
RFK Jr.’s presidential candidacy in the United States seems like a big gamble right now
Rodgers was on the practice field for OTAs on Tuesday and said he was ‘feeling great’
“The strength is good, the movement is good, just the confidence to do everything.”
Rodgers also spoke about the pressure on him and the Jets heading into this season, as the Jets traded two second-round picks for the legendary quarterback.
Robert Saleh, who is entering his fourth year with the franchise, is also just 18-33 as a head coach and has yet to have a winning season.
“If I don’t do what I’m capable of doing, we’ll probably all get out of here,” Rodgers said. ‘But I like that kind of pressure. I know it’s a tough market to play in, it’s not for everyone. I enjoy that opportunity.”