(Florham Park) Aaron Rodgers believes he’s in the right place at the right time. And the new New York Jets quarterback believes he can do great things with his new team.
The holder of four NFL MVP awards was introduced to the media, coaches and staff Wednesday in the New York team auditorium, alongside head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
“It’s an incredible day,” admitted the 39-year-old veteran.
The Jets confirmed the trade just moments before Rodgers entered the auditorium.
The Jets got Rodgers on the 15the pick as well as another fifth-round pick in the Packers’ 2023 draft. In return, the Packers acquired the 13e pick, a second-round pick (42e overall) and another sixth-round pick in line for this year’s draft, plus a conditional second-round pick in next year’s draft — who could become a first-round pick if Rodgers goes over 65% Jets games next season.
Rodgers spent his first 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, helping them win a Super Bowl while cementing his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
“That chapter (of my career) is over, and I’m looking forward to a new challenge here in New York,” Rodgers said.
PHOTO SETH WENIG, ASSOCIATED PRESS
General manager Joe Douglas, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh
Rodgers said he chose the Jets because he believes in the philosophy of the organization, which will rely on a core of young players including offensive rookie of the year (Garrett Wilson) and defensive rookie of the year (Gardner sauce).
“I’m an old man, so I want to end up with a team that can win and I believe we can achieve that here,” he summed up.
Rodgers is aware of the Jets’ dearth, which is going through the longest active streak (12 seasons) without making the playoffs. He also knows the team hasn’t made the Super Bowl since Joe Namath led their offense in 1969.
“That Super Bowl III trophy looks good on its own,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers declined to discuss his future beyond the next season, preferring to say he is focused on the one to come and the “near-term future”.
“I’m not a savior,” Rodgers insisted.