Once the dust settles on their head coach and general manager searches, all eyes in New York Jets land will turn back to the future of No. 8, Aaron Rodgers.
Add Rodgers’ former mentor to the list of prominent NFL figures who have shared their take on what Rodgers should do.
In an interview with TMZ, Brett Favre discussed what he thinks about Rodgers’ future in the NFL.
“He’s got something left,” Favre said. “I think I’m right in saying that he has a lot of juice left in the tank.”
Favre praised Rodgers for his four-touchdown performance in the Jets’ season-ending victory over the Miami Dolphins.
“I just think he still can play. You saw it this last game. You go, ‘Well, where’s that been?’” Favre said.
“That’s the Aaron Rodgers we know. He’s making all the throws, guys are responding to him, love playing with him. Where’s that been all year?”
Regarding Rodgers’ decision, Favre offered his two cents.
“If there’s any little inkling in him that wants to play and prove that he can still do it at a high level, then I would say do it,” the Hall of Famer added.
Favre is the only other person in world history who has essentially been in this exact situation. Rewind the clock 16 years to January 2009: Favre was an aging former Packers quarterback coming off his 17th season as a starter, which was a disappointing and injury-riddled year with the New York Jets. Following that tumultuous run, he mulled whether to retire or continue playing.
Ultimately, Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings in August 2009. Favre proved he had plenty left in the tank, throwing 33 touchdowns and finishing fourth in MVP voting as Minnesota journeyed to the NFC championship game.
Rodgers’ decision is eerily similar, although he is two years older than Favre was in 2009. It is also worth noting that, while Favre battled a bicep injury in 2008, he did not have a serious injury on his track record that might have long-term implications, which is the case with Rodgers and his Achilles tear in September 2023.
Rodgers will likely wait until the Jets settle on their head coach and general manager hires before he begins to seriously mull his decision. Until then, the Jets remain focused on finding the new leaders of their organization.