SPORT NEWS: Aaron Rodgers’ Retirement Statements in Full After Major Hints About Quitting NFL.giang

Aaron Rodgers faces an uncertain future as he weighs up the prospect of retirement, staying with the New York Jets, or joining another organization.

Since Rodgers’ move from the Green Bay Packers in 2023, the four-time NFL MVP has had a rocky two years since leaving the Green Bay Packers in 2023. Getting injured in his debut season, Rodgers wasn’t able to make up for time last year either, with the Jets ending the regular season with a 5-12 record and extending their playoff drought to 14 years. Despite the setbacks, Rodgers surprisingly admitted that he had loved his time in New York.

“Honestly, it’s been the best two years of my life, and that’s a perspective adjustment that I think happened at some point during the rehab process last year,” Rodgers said earlier this month. “Just the excitement, falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys and the great men and women that work here. It’s been a lot of fun.” However, the 41-year-old may have played the last game of his NFL career.

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Not jumping ship

It proved to be a tough season for the Jets, who parted company with head coach Robert Saleh in October and general manager Joe Douglas a month later. In November, Rodgers refuted claims that he had informed his close circle that he planned to leave New York at the end of the season.

“As far as my future goes, I haven’t told anybody in my life that I want to play in 2025 and not on the Jets, so that’s 100 per cent false,” the quarterback told The Pat McAfee Show. “I actually said the opposite.

“I said that I’m going to wait and see what happens at the end of the season and if they want me back and what happens with Brick [Johnson] and what happens with the offensive staff and obviously the GM at the time, and then they just fired Joe [Douglas]. There’s a lot of things out of my control when it comes to that, but I’ve really enjoyed my time in New York.”

He added: “So I’m not jumping off the ship, like ‘oh, I definitely want to play and not in New York’. I don’t even know if I want to play yet, but New York will be my first option.”

Risk of release

The team continued to fare poorly and Rodgers arguably hit a low point against the Buffalo Bills in December, being benched in the second-half after going 33-0 behind. At that point, the NFL icon conceded that quarterback Tyrod Taylor was worth a shot. Post-game, when asked about his next steps, Rodgers admitted that his future in New York could be taken out of his hands.

“I’m going to take some time after the year. Unless I get released right away,” the 41-year-old said. “But I will still take some time [to decide] whether or not I’m gonna play. I will take some time to get away from it either way.”

Savoring the moment

Speaking ahead of New York’s final game of the season against the Miami Dolphins, all eyes were on Rodgers. Instead of declaring it to be the last match of his career, Rodgers explained that he merely intended to enjoy the game, but did share that his future would be resolved before March.

“I’ll just be enjoying this, I’m trying to stay in the moment,” he said. “It’s been a long career. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of and what I’ve been able to accomplish.

“I need a break mentally. I don’t want to make a decision until I’ve been able to rest mentally and physically… I just need a break to refresh, put my feet in the sand and see where I’m at after that.

“March is free agency, I don’t think we’re going to get that far because there’s going to be a regime change here with the GM and then I’ll either get a call or have a conversation and go from there.”

Rolling back the years

Rodgers looked back to his best last Sunday as he threw four touchdowns in a 32-20 victory over the Dolphins, including the 500th of his career. The veteran signal-caller hinted that it might be his curtain call by saving the balls from his landmark throw and the final touchdown of the match.

Not content with collecting mementos, Rodgers hugged ESPN sideline reporter Pam Oliver and told the journalist: “I love you.” In his interview with Oliver, he said he would not rush to his next decision.

“I’m going to get home and relax. I’m going to clear out my head and get healthy from the bumps and bruises of the season. I’ve got a lot of gratitude right now,” Rodgers said.

“Once I get back out West, I’m going to take my time. I’m not going to hold anyone up. I’m gonna have conversations tomorrow with everybody here at the Jets and see what they’re thinking, and then we’ll make a decision before it gets too late in the offseason.”

New challenge?

In the post-game press conference, Rodgers was further asked about his future. The quarterback feels he can compete in the NFL but said a decision would be reached after he had spoken with Jets owners Woody and Christopher Johnson.

“I know I can still play,” Rodgers said. “I know I can still do the things I need to do to be successful. It just comes down to the desire on their side and then, ultimately, my desire to play, kind of take some time mentally and physically to rest and relax.”

Expanding on his answer, Rodgers addressed the possibility of leaving New York and joining another organization. “Truthfully I don’t know,” Rodgers added. “I’m looking forward to those conversations with Woody and Christopher [Johnson]… Either way, I won’t be upset or offended whatever they decide to do if they want to move on if I still want to play. If not, I’ll let them know at some point if that’s case.

“I just need some time away to think about my future in the game, and my future here if they want me to be a part of the next phase. Either way I’m thankful for my two years here.”