Aaron Rodgers has urged the New York Jets to “create a culture where winning is the standard” after another difficult NFL season.
Rodgers, 41, was traded to the Jets in April 2023 but missed most of his first season in New Jersey after suffering an Achilles injury in Week 1. They were expected to push for a playoff spot this term with Rodgers fit again, but they could only muster a 5-12 record.
The Jets have now gone 14 seasons without making the playoffs, by far the longest ongoing drought in the league. New York’s poor form has led to doubts over Rodgers’ future with the team, with the veteran quarterback hinting at retirement in recent interviews.
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The Jets finished their season on a high by beating the Miami Dolphins 32-20 at MetLife Stadium last Sunday. Rodgers was asked after the game what the organization needed to do to become a winning team again in 2025 and end its embarrassing playoff drought.
“It takes a concerted, intentional effort to make change,” Rodgers replied. “It takes people pulling in the same direction, a top-down focus to create a culture where winning is the standard, not the hope. The beauty in this game is that every year is a new year and the opportunity to change and be a part of the solution is going to be out there.”
Rodgers then hinted at retirement once again by adding: “I have a lot of love for this organization, and I hope it gets turned around, and if I’m back part of it, then I’ll do everything in my power to get it turned around.”
Rodgers failed to get a tune out of the Jets this season (
Luke Hales/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if the Jets will welcome Rodgers back later this year. New York is expected to complete a rebuild after another disappointing season, with interviews taking place for a new general manager and head coach over the coming days and weeks.
Rodgers is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The four-time NFL MVP won Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers and recently completed his 500th touchdown in the league, becoming just the fifth quarterback to achieve that feat after Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508).
Rodgers was asked whether he’ll retire by FOX Sports immediately after Sunday’s game. He replied: “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.
“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.”
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