Acquired by the New York Jets earlier this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers landed in New Jersey to take part in his first press conference at his new team’s training complex on Wednesday.
True to form, the 39-year-old veteran did not have his tongue in his pocket.
“I’m old and I want to be on a winning team,” he said.
“Walking in here, I noticed the Super Bowl III trophy looked pretty lonely [dans sa vitrine]added Rodgers, referring to the Jets’ lone triumph in 1968.
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“I wanted to get the chance to evolve in a city that is hungry [pour des victoires] and has incredible supporters. It’s been 13 years since the team made the playoffs and they haven’t won a championship since Super Bowl III. It’s been a very long time. […] I think it’s different to win here compared to Green Bay. If you win with the New York Jets, you have your place in the history books. It’s really special.”
The transaction that moved Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers to the Jets was finalized on Wednesday afternoon and the terms of the pivot’s contract will be reviewed. The New York organization also obtained the 15th and 170th draft selections which will begin on Thursday. For their part, the Packers got their hands on the 13th, 42nd and 207th picks, as well as a conditional second-round selection in 2024. This one will become a first-round choice if the quarterback takes part in 65% of the games. of his club this year.
“We wish Aaron well in New York and look forward to welcoming him back to Green Bay to retire his number 12, celebrate his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and unveil his name on the Lambeau Field facade.” , said President Mark Murphy in a press release.
A new number
Speaking of numbers, Rodgers fans will have to get used to seeing him sport No. 8 with the Jets.
The 12 was retired by the Big Apple organization in honor of Joe Namath. The legendary quarterback, however, said he had no problem with Rodgers grabbing the number.
“There are big names who have played here, but probably no bigger name than the one who wore number 12, said the newcomer. I heard what he said about letting me wear it, but number 12 belongs to “Broadway Joe”. I didn’t even want to think about it and chose to turn to the number I wore in college.”
No FaceTime with the Packers
In addition, Rodgers returned to the lack of communication that there was between him and the Packers since the beginning of this offseason.
“I don’t think I need to go into details. I am lucky to live in a wonderful house, but the only negative is that the cellular network is not excellent. If you want to talk to me, I have to see your face. You need to FaceTime me.”
“I have a history of who called me or ‘facetimed’ me. No one has “facetimed” me [chez les Packers].”
“They decided to go with a story that they hadn’t been able to connect with me in,” Rodgers continued. My point was just to question myself as to why they decided not to tell me that they wanted to go in another direction earlier in the offseason.