Aaron Rodgers addresses Kimmel comments, Jets future in exit interview: 'The fire's still really strong'
Aaron Rodgers addresses Kimmel comments, Jets future in exit interview: ‘The fire’s still really strong’
2023 was an unmitigated disaster for the Jets, who entered the campaign as Super Bowl hopefuls and ended it at the cellar of the AFC standings.
Still, Aaron Rodgers has hope the poisoned year that was provides a foundation for a resurgence in 2024.
New York’s polarizing quarterback — embroiled in a war of words with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel just last week — returned to the pulpit to deliver his final press conference of the regular season.
In it, he detailed just what he thought of the Jets’ chances to rally in 2024. He also spotlighted some of the obstacles he and his teammates experienced over the course of the year, all while providing that signature bit of Rodgers mayhem when discussing Kimmel, “character” and backup quarterback Zach Wilson.
“The fire’s still really strong and it just kinda grows as we get to February and March and April,” Rodgers said. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing what changes happen and who we add in the draft and free agency and then kinda trying to get up on the same page and…getting this thing where it needs to be.”
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It was a year of upheaval for Rodgers. The four-time MVP started 2023 on the Packers, but was shipped to Broadway in a blockbuster trade back in April.
What followed was an injury saga the likes of which haven’t been seen across NFL circles. Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into the season. Wilson supplanted him in the lineup. And the losses piled up in quick succession.
By the end of the year, New York had recorded just seven wins on the year. Wilson was out the picture, having been removed in favor of career journeyman Trevor Siemian.
Rodgers told reporters that he’s enjoyed picking Wilson’s brain over the course of the year and would love to do so again next season. However, he admitted that Wilson could need to seek out greener pastures if he wanted to reach his potential.
“I love Zach and I want what’s best for Zach,” Rodgers said. “If he wants to be here and that’s what’s best for him, then obviously I’d love to have that relationship for another year. But I want what’s best for him and where he wants to be and sometimes a change of scenery, as I know, can be a breath of fresh air. It’s good to be able to have a new start sometimes. … We’ll see what happens.”
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Rodgers also noted the similarities between his time in Green Bay — an 18-year spell that saw him rack up 475 touchdowns and 59,000 yards — and his blip with Gang Green. It seems owner Woody Johnson desires continuity, with head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and general manager Joe Douglas all slated to return to their posts in 2024.
That was a strategy that tended to serve the Packers well under Rodgers’ helm; they rarely made changes in decision-making brass, instead turning to roster additions as a way to liven up things on the field. Rodgers called for his franchise’s front office brass to move similarly.
“I think we need some pieces,” Rodgers said. “We had a lot of injuries up front, so we have to shore up the offensive line, that’s important. We need some more receiver help, probably. But I like where we’re at from a schematic standpoint and what I know I can do in the offense.”
He even offered his recruiting services to Douglass and Co., imploring the front office to add some “characters” on the offensive line. New York gave up the fourth-most sacks in the league this year.
“I have relationships with various people across the NFL and friends and work out with NFL guys, but Joe and his staff have done a nice job over the years,” Rodgers said. “If he wants my help in recruiting, I’m available.”
Never one to avoid controversy, Rodgers also addressed his comments about Kimmel. Or rather, he redirected his comments into an advertisement for yet another appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” his go-to vehicle to promote his latest ramblings.
“Yeah, I’m going to talk about it tomorrow on the show,” Rodgers said. “Tune in.”
People will, inevitably. Whether they like what they hear — or if it even has any sort of veracity to it — is another question entirely, though. McAfee’s show isn’t known for rigorously vetting its guests’ credibility, after all.