Aaron Rodgers joined the New York Jets last year after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers (Image: AP)
Aaron Rodgers’ ex-colleague Kurt Benkert has confessed that he was certain the quarterback would sign for the Miami Dolphins over the New York Jets. The four-time MVP ended his 18-year stint with the Green Bay Packers last year, heading to the Big Apple as the Jets traded four draft picks to secure his services.
Despite rumours linking the 41-year-old to the Jets long before the deal was finalised, Benkert – who served as Rodgers’ backup in 2021 – thought the Dolphins’ squad strength and Miami’s sunny weather would sway Rodgers. In a 2023 interview with The Spun, the now-retired Benkert said: “Aaron Rodgers is going to end up either a New York Jet or a Miami Dolphin.
“If I had to really guess, I’d say the Miami Dolphins (because they) have the roster to win a , and he could really enjoy some time in the warmth (and) defrost a little bit after all of these years.” However, Rodgers’ move to New York hasn’t panned out as hoped, with the Jets recording a dismal 3-9 in his first full season, largely due to an injury that sidelined him for most of his debut campaign.
The former Super Bowl winner even hinted at possibly retiring next year, but conceded that if he does continue his NFL career, he hopes it’ll be with the Jets. Rodgers has categorically denied speculation suggesting he wants to leave the New York Jets, claiming such rumours are completely unfounded during an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show.
“I haven’t told anybody in my life, ‘I want to play in 2025 and not in the Jets’,” Rodgers declared, addressing reports of his dissatisfaction with the team. “That’s 100% false. I actually said the opposite. I said that I’m going to wait and see what happens at the end of the season and if they want me back.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in New York. Obviously, we haven’t had the success we’ve all wanted to have but I’ve made some great friendships in the team. I’ve enjoyed living in Jersey, I’ve enjoyed the time in the city, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the fans.”
The 29-year-old played understudy to Rodgers in the 2021 season (Image: Getty)
Adamant about his commitment, Rodgers added: “And I came here to win here so I’m not jumping off ship like, ‘I definitely want to play and not in New York.’ I don’t know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option.” At 41, Rodgers acknowledges that retirement is on the horizon yet remains noncommittal about ending his storied career, which began in 2005.
“When you’re 40 going on 41, you’re at the end of your career,” he admitted. “There’s a lot of things, obviously; if it’s New York, they have to want me to be here. If I can stay healthy the rest of the year and play the way I want to play, and everybody feels good about bringing me back, then there’s a decision there. At this point I am open to everything and attached to nothing.”