Aaron Rodgers reveals he could quit the NFL after Jets season finale
Aaron Rodgers admits he could be just days away from his final NFL appearance as he considers the possibility of retirement.
Rodgers and the New York Jets will end their disastrous season when they take on the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
And amid questions about his future in the sport – with many calling for him to retire at the age of 41 – the Super Bowl-winning quarterback accepts this weekend could be the last time he ever steps foot on the field sets.
“Yes, of course,” he said when asked if he believed Sunday’s game could be his NFL finale.
Rodgers, who will play 248 games in the NFL when he plays against the Dolphins, is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career with the Jets, who are now 4-12 after being eliminated from play weeks ago -offs.
He has thrown 10 interceptions in 16 appearances, the fourth most he has thrown in a single campaign over 19 years in the NFL, while being sacked 37 times – the fifth highest total of his career.
Aaron Rodgers admits he could be just days away from his final NFL appearance
The four-time MVP is also on pace to record his lowest passing yards (3,623) in a season in which he has played at least 10 games.
Ahead of Sunday’s final game of the season, Rodgers revealed he will decide whether to play in 2025 before free agency in March, while also reflecting on his career with the emotional tone of a man very much thinking about retirement.
“Just a lot of gratitude for the past 20 years and the many, countless lives that I’ve encountered and the teammates and coaches that I now call friends,” he said.
‘This game has given me a lot, and I have also given a lot in return. Thankful for it. I won’t think about that on game day, I’ll just enjoy it.
‘I try to stay in the moment, but obviously it’s been a long career that I’m very proud of, what I’ve been a part of, what I’ve been able to achieve. I’m also looking forward to a wonderful mental and physical rest.’
And as he’s likely parting ways with the Jets for good, with the two sides expected to go their separate ways this offseason, Rodgers surprisingly described his disastrous stint in New York as the best of his life.
“I mean gratitude, honestly. It’s been the best two years of my life,” he said of his Jets tenure. ‘And that is a perspective adjustment that took place last year sometime during the rehabilitation process.
“But just the excitement, falling in love with the game again, getting to know these guys here, the great men and women who work here, it’s been a lot of fun.
Rodgers is coming off one of the worst seasons of his NFL career with the Jets this season
“Obviously there have been few digressions on the pitch, but this game is about more than just that.
“Obviously I wish things had gone better on the field, but nothing but gratitude for this time in my life.”
On his likely Jets departure, he added: “I’ve just come to terms with the reality of the situation. I think there will be change here, and if I am part of the change, I want to make sure everyone knows that I have nothing but gratitude for my time here. I enjoyed talking to you every week and asking the questions. I appreciate it, I really do.
“Again, I’m disappointed with my performance and as a team, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity. If I feel good about coming back and they want to try this again, that would be great, but I’m not naive about the situation we’re in.”