Aaron Rodgers is a New York Jets. After the rumors and the transfer, this reality took shape on Wednesday with the press conference presenting the new green and white quarterback.
But it was long after stepping off the podium that Rodgers answered one of the most burning questions related to his arrival. At 39, and when he admitted to having come close to retirement at the end of the last campaign, does he intend to stay more than a year in the Big Apple?
“Oh, I think so,” he told a small group of reporters, according to NJ.com and ESPN. ” I really think so. They gave draft picks to bring me in, so I don’t think it’s just a one-year story in my mind. It is a commitment. But it starts this season. That’s why I want to be in the present and not talk about the future.
[…] It’s about being totally focused on this season. If it bothers guys, so be it. I want to be all in, and my “yes” to be a big fucking “yes.” And that’s the case for 2023. I’m happy to be here and get to work, and we’ll see the rest then. »
Get to work… today
Absent from spring training in recent years in Green Bay, number 8 seems much more motivated by his new adventure. This time, his return will take place much earlier.
“Does tomorrow matter? Yeah, tomorrow. I will be here tomorrow,” he replied to CBS Sports, who asked him when he planned to train with his new team.
If there is not really a session this Thursday, his intentions are clear.
“I want to put my stamp on the attack and the locker room, and show these guys what the expectations will be. It’s time for us to set the right expectations for this team. Like I said after our game against them last season, it’s not the good old Jets. This is a team that has a legitimate opportunity to do something special this year. »
To put his mark on the attack, he can count on the help of Nathaniel Hackett, the offensive coordinator who arrived during the offseason, and whom he knows well.
“I have to say that one of the big reasons I’m here is Nathaniel Hackett. Hack and I became close friends for three years in Green Bay. I love him like a brother, I believe in him and I’m very happy to work with him again. »
“We want to win everything”
The Jets are like Rodgers: they only have one Super Bowl. But they go back much further. It was in January 1969 that Joe Namath promised a victory in Super Bowl III and brought home the trophy. A trophy ” who looks a little lonely »remarked the new quarterback on Wednesday.
The objective is clear: to give him company.
“I grew up watching old Super Bowl videotapes, so I obviously know ‘The Guarantee’ and Broadway Joe. It was a long time ago. I like daydreaming, and dreaming at night too. And it’s fun to imagine yourself in that position. That’s what I’m here for. I’m not here to be a transition and have a mediocre season. We want to win everything. »
