The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback spoke about the 2023 season and what needs to happen moving forward
The New York Jets’ starting quarterback had some thoughts to share Monday morning.
At his end-of-year media availability, Aaron Rodgers called his return to practice, but not the game field, “bittersweet.”
“It’s fun being able to go out there and practice. There was excitement, and also, the ‘what-if’ hits you in the face pretty hard, because if you saw what we were able to do there are a lot of what could have been.”
Asked about what the team needs to improve on, Rodgers said they “need a couple more pieces” but are “close.” In terms of those needs, Rodgers mentioned shoring up the offensive line and adding receiver help. He also mentioned that the Jets have “a core group of guys” that can be the team’s foundation.
The future Hall-of-Famer said the “fire” is still strong and is excited to see how the team improves in the offseason. He also said he would take a “deep dive” into the offense with Nathaniel Hackett and wants to be around “as much as I can” for OTAs.
Rodagrs said he can help in recruiting “as much or as little” as general manager Joe Douglas wants, while also stating that he’s available to help out.
"If he wants my help in recruiting — I'm available." — Aaron Rodgers on Joe Douglas' FA approach.
Said familiarity with this offense, and Rodgers himself, isn't needed.
Said he'd love #Jets to add character guys.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 8, 2024
Regarding his future, Rodgers said that he planned to only play in New York for one season, but changed his mind once he arrived.
“I got out here, realized how much fun I was having, fell back in love with the game, and I said to you guys that it isn’t going to be a one-year thing…obviously, it’s what have you done for me lately and I have to prove that I can still play at a high level. But I would like this to be more than just next year.”
The quarterback said the Jets still have to learn how to win and that “we’re all going to be on the hot seat” entering the 2024 season. Rodgers then spoke about what the organization can learn from this past season.
“Anything in this building that doesn’t have to do with winning needs to be assessed. Anything that we are doing, individually or collectively, that has nothing to do with real winning has to be assessed. Everything that we do has to have a purpose,” said Rodgers.
“When you step into the building, there’s intentionality in everything that you do. It’s not a half-the-time thing, it’s not a sometimes thing, it’s not a most-of-the-time thing, it’s an every-time thing…the b——t that has nothing to do with winning has to get out of the building. That will be the focus moving forward.”
Rodgers did also offer a message to fans, asking them to “stick with the team” and said he looks forward to building the excitement once again.
Aaron Rodgers message to #Jets fans:
"There's only one team that holds that trophy, & we want to be that team. Stick with us. I look forward to getting back here [for next season] & start building the excitement like we did last year." pic.twitter.com/KSfm69KxOg
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) January 8, 2024
It is good to see Rodgers acknowledge the issues the Jets have and that they need to perform at a high level in 2024.
Yet, it is important for Rodgers to do some self-reflection as well. His comments about the Jets needing to eliminate “anything that doesn’t have to do with winning” are contradicted by his answer regarding his recent controversial “Pat McAfee Show” comments.
When asked to clarify the comments he made about Jimmy Kimmel, Rodgers said he would talk about it tomorrow and to “tune in.”
Aaron Rodgers on his Jimmy Kimmel comments: "I'm going to talk about it tomorrow on the show. Tune in."
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 8, 2024
Despite his highly successful career, Rodgers is not above the criticism the rest of the organization receives. He must hold himself to the same standard as his teammates, ensuring to not bring distractions to the team as they look to build a winning culture.
Rodgers is the most important factor in whether the Jets succeed in 2024. How he and the Jets approach the off-season will play a huge role in whether this regime, Rodgers included, has a chance to build beyond next season.
