Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed Wednesday, after weeks of speculation, that his «intent» is to play for the New York Jets next season, but the teams have not reached an agreement.
During a highly anticipated appearance on «The Pat McAfee Show,» Rodgers spoke at length about his decision for the 2023 season, revealing that heading into his retirement in obscurity last month, he was «90% leaning toward retirement and» 10%» sure he wanted to play again.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Green Bay, Wisconsin on December 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
But the four-time MVP said something changed after he came out of isolation.
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«I was interested in knowing where [the Packers] it would be in mentally, and all they told me the week I was in Green Bay was ‘Take as long as you want, and we want you to retire a Packer. You want to go back and play, obviously the door is wide open. So that was the information that was passing. Now, when I came out of the darkness, something changed. I’m not exactly sure what that was, but something changed.»
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter of a game at Lambeau Field on November 17, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Patricio McDermott/Getty Images)
Rodgers said he heard from many people, including players, that the front office position had changed, a decision he said he would have accepted if he had been told up front.
«It was clear to me at that point that even though the Packers were going to say the right thing publicly, they were ready to move on,» Rodgers said.
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged that hallucinogens overcame his fear of mortality. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rodgers said he then opted to inquire about other teams and was granted permission to speak with the Jets, who flew to California last week to meet with him in person.
«We had a nice conversation and I told them, ‘I’m not ready to make a decision on anything. I want to go back to my workouts and see what it feels like to really hit hard for a week … and see if that drive and passion is still there. ‘».
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers greets fans as he leaves the field after a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Green Bay, Wisconsin on December 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Reports have been circulating for the past week that an agreement has been reached between the two parties, but Rodgers said Wednesday that no trade has been made. However, he did confirm that his «intentions» are to play in New York.
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«At this point, as I sit here, I think from Friday, I made it clear that my intention was to play and my intention was to play for the New York Jets,» Rodgers said.
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers on January 22, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Rodgers called the decision «bittersweet» but added that there are no hard feelings between him and the Packers.
«No one has bled green and gold like me. I mean, I love that city,» Rodgers said. «I love those fans. I love that region.»