Some members of Aaron Rodgers‘ inner circle believes the New York Jets star is preparing to announce his retirement from the NFL following Sunday’s 2024 finale against the Miami Dolphins.
In recent weeks, the 41-year-old Jets quarterback has been reminiscing about the good times in his long football journey, including his early years and his achievements as a pro, including winning the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and four NFL MVPs before joining the New York Jets.
However, Father Time caught up with Rodgers just four snaps into his Jets debut against the Buffalo Bills last season, tearing his Achilles and ending his campaign. Rodgers returned in the offseason fit and healthy, but he struggled to get the Jets‘ talented offense flowing.
The 4-12 Jets will host the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium, and it could very well be Rodgers’ final game in the NFL. According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, several people close to Rodgers are preparing for the possibility that he will announce his retirement following this Sunday.
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Rodgers admitted earlier this week that retirement is possible, stating he needs to take a break before deciding his next steps. “Yeah, of course,” he said when asked if Sunday’s clash with the Dolphins could be his last.
“Just a lot of gratitude for the last 20 years and the many, countless lives I’ve encountered and the teammates and coaches I now call friends,” he continued. “This game has given me a lot, and I’ve given a lot back to it. Thankful for it. I won’t be thinking about that come gameday; I’ll just be enjoying this.
“I’m trying to stay in the moment, but of course it’s been a long career that I’m really proud of, what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish. Also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”
Aaron Rodgers has hinted his NFL career could come to an end on Sunday (
Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Even if Rodgers decides to continue in the NFL, his stint looks likely to come to an end following two unsuccessful seasons. The Jets had hoped the QB could fire them to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Despite the trade not working as planned, Rodgers insists there won’t be any hard feelings towards the Jets if they decide to part ways. “I mean, gratitude, honestly. It’s been the best two years of my life,’ Rodgers added.
“And that’s a perspective adjustment that happened at some point during the rehab process last year. But just the excitement, falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys in here, the great men and women who work here, it’s been a lot of fun.
“Obviously on the field it’s been short of expatiations, no doubt, but this game’s about more than just that. Obviously, I wish things would have gone better on the field, but nothing but gratitude for this time in my life.”
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