Aaron Rodgers was officially introduced as a member of the new york jets on Wednesday, and while he said he doesn’t plan to be «a savior of any kind» for the long-suffering franchise, he made the decision knowing a Super Bowl is achievable.
Rodgers, 39, praised the organization and culture established over the past few seasons during his introductory press conference with the media, two days after news of his trade was announced.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with a jersey during an introductory press conference at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
“I am here because I believe in this team. I believe in the coach [Robert] Saleh. I believe in the direction of [general manager] Joe Douglas, obviously, has drafted very well over the last couple of years with offensive and defensive rookie of the year,» said Rodgers, clad in a Jets logo-collared shirt.
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«That chapter is over and I’m excited about the new adventure here in New York.»
Rodgers, who had previously said he was significantly leaning toward retiring before his obscure retirement, explained that one of his biggest draws to the Jets was the hiring of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in the offseason.
«They cut us out last year, so I knew they had a good team,» Rodgers said with a laugh. «A big reason I’m here, I should mention, is Nathaniel Hackett, who’s here. Hack and I became very close over three years at Green Bay and I love him like a brother and I believe in him. Really happy to be working with him again.»
New York Jets team president Hymie Elhai, team owner Christopher Johnson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, team owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh pose during an introductory press conference at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. . (Elsa/Getty Images)
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Perhaps the biggest draw, Rodgers suggested, was the chance to win another Super Bowl, New York’s first since the 1968 season.
«I’m an older guy, so I want to be part of a team that could win it all, and I think this is a place where we can do that,» he said.
«I noticed walking in this morning that that Super Bowl III trophy looks a little lonely, so.»
Expectations for Rodgers’ arrival in New York are high considering the details of the trade, but the four-time league MVP approaches the situation with realistic expectations.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers attends an introductory news conference at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
«I’m not here to be a savior of any kind. I’m just here to be the best quarterback I can be, to authentically lead and inspire the guys around me to raise their game to an even higher place.» . .»
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Despite being able to capture the Super Bowl only once in his nearly two-decade career in Green Bay, Rodgers has cemented himself in Packers history. He knows that doing that in New York would mean the same thing.
«There’s something special about playing in a city for a team like this with a storied franchise and obviously since Super Bowl III being a part of something special would definitely help you in the history of an organization. I’m already 18 years in an organization incredibly iconic and it would be fun to be a part of the story on this one as well.»