Rodgers says his time with Jets has been ‘the best two years of my life,’ but he also needs a mental break

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers was reflective as he prepares for what it could be his last game with the New York Jets.

And his impressive 20-year career in the NFL.

“Yes, of course,” Rodgers said when asked Wednesday if he had considered that Sunday’s season finale against Miami might be right for him, too. However, the 41-year-old quarterback insisted he is not ready to make a decision about his playing future.

“I just need a mental break to refresh myself and put my feet in the sand,” he said. “And see where I am after that.”

Still, it sounded like He doesn’t necessarily expect to return to the Jets. – even if you want to continue playing.

“I mean, gratitude, honestly,” Rodgers said of his time in New York, repeating that sentiment throughout his 10-minute chat with reporters. “They have been the best two years of my life.”

He called it a “perspective adjustment” that occurred during his rehabilitation process from a torn achilles tendon that limited him to just four snaps in his much-hyped debut with the Jets last season. Rodgers said he fell in love with football again after 18 years in Green Bay and appreciates the relationships he has built with teammates, coaches and others in the Jets organization.

“Obviously I wish things had gone better on the field,” he said. “But nothing but gratitude for this moment in my life.”

Rodgers came to the Jets in April 2023 in a trade from the Packers and immediately stoked optimism throughout the organization and fan base that New York could go to the Super Bowl. Or two. Or even more.

Instead, those dreams quickly dissolved with Rodgers’ injury last season. And he’s dealt with other injuries during a season that again began with high hopes but has turned into one of the most disappointing in franchise history.

The Jets are 4-12, fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager joe douglas – and Rodgers has only shown moments of looking like a four-time MVP. he also has He acknowledged that the team could release him after this season.

“I think there’s going to be change here and if I’m part of the change, then I just want to make sure everyone knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here,” Rodgers said. “It has been a great experience overall and, again, I am disappointed in my performance and that of the team, but really grateful for the opportunity.

“If I feel good coming back and they want to try it again, that would be fantastic. But I am not naive to the situation we find ourselves in.”

After the 2022 season, Rodgers’ future with the Packers was equally uncertain and the quarterback was leaning toward retirement. He went to a dark retreat in Oregon, where he spent four days in isolation and then emerged re-energized to play and decided he wanted to join the Jets.

Rodgers will again take some time to process his thoughts during the offseason.

“It will probably be dark again,” Rodgers said of his plans, before smiling. “No, I think I’m done with that. “I will not be making any withdrawals in the dark this offseason.”

But he will consider whether he really wants to go through the physical and mental grind of another season. And he doesn’t think the decision will last well into the offseason.

“March is free agency,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to get this far just because there’s going to be a regime change here, at least with GM. And then whatever they end up doing, I’m sure I’ll get a call or have a conversation and go from there.”

Rodgers has one year left on his contract with a non-guaranteed base salary of $2.5 million. He would also be owed a $35 million option bonus before the regular season begins and would count $23.5 million against the salary cap. So, that is something that the new regime will have to consider.

If Rodgers is released or retires, the Jets could absorb a $49 million dead-money charge next year unless they designate him for a cut on June 1 and can spread that charge over two years.

But that’s all for the near future.

The present is the only thing Rodgers is focused on right now, and the only thing that’s certain is that he knows he’ll take the field at MetLife Stadium for the Jets on Sunday.

“This game has given me a lot,” Rodgers said. “I have given back a lot and I am grateful for it. I’m not thinking (and) I won’t be thinking about that on game day. I’ll be enjoying this. I try to stay in the moment, but of course it’s been a long run.

“I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to achieve and I also hope to have a nice physical and mental break.”