From the outside looking in, Aaron Rodgers’ two seasons with the New York Jets have been an unmitigated disaster, yet the four-time MVP and former Super Bowl champion insists it has been the best two years of his life.

The 41-year-old’s stay with the Jets appears to be coming to an end, falling well short of expectations after the team acquired him from the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster trade last year. His first season at MetLife Stadium was wrecked by a ruptured Achilles, suffered just four snaps into his Jets debut.

The injury ended his season, but that did not dampen expectations heading into the 2024 campaign, with the Jets widely projected to be a playoff contender. Instead, the season has spiraled out of control, slumping to a 4-12 record with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas fired along the way.

Sunday’s AFC East showdown with the Miami Dolphins could be Rodgers’ last game with the Jets, with the franchise set for a reset in the offseason, but he insists his time in New Jersey has been the best in his career.

“Gratitude,” he replied when asked for his feelings about his time with the Jets. “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. 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.

“On he field, it’s been short of expectations, no doubt, but this game is more than just that. This game is about the relationships, the things that really last longer than your health and your body and being able to play. So I’m really thankful for the people I’ve met here in New Jersey and the experiences I got to have with my teammates and enjoying the city. Obviously, I wish things would have gone better on the field, but nothing but gratitude for this time of my life.”

Rodgers' performances have fallen well short of expectations

Rodgers’ performances have fallen well short of expectations ( 

Image:

Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Rodgers has 3,623 yards and 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions on the season, although the statistics do not tell the full story. He has made costly mistakes late in close games, particularly around the midway point of the season when the Jets had chances to keep their playoff hopes alive.

He ranks 20th in the league in passer rating, summing up the fact his powers have waned dramatically from the years when he was arguably the best player in the sport while wearing a Packers uniform.

Rodgers has reportedly identified the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans as preferred landing spots if he is to leave the Jets in the coming weeks, according to the Daily Mail. However, when he addressed the media on Wednesday, the veteran quarterback didn’t rule out the possibility of Sunday’s season finale against the Dolphins turning out to be his last NFL game.