Aaron Rodgers says he’s not coming to MetLife Stadium later this week to seek revenge against the Jets.
Well, at least that’s the Steelers’ new starting quarterback said last week, in an interview with Adam Schein on Mad Dog Radio. When asked if there will be a little extra juice opening the season against the team that, seven months ago, told the future Hall of Famer they didn’t want him anymore, Rodgers played it cool.
“Probably nowhere near where it might be made out,” Rodgers said of his thoughts heading into Sunday. “A lot has changed over there, coaching staff-wise, player-wise. Obviously, I have friendships over there, but it’s one game out of 17, and at 5 [p.m.] Eastern on Sunday, it’s only going to be onto the next game. So that’s just the way it is.”
Well, that’s the first potentially good sign for the Jets: Rodgers saying he doesn’t care is a sign that he does care. Probably a lot. And the 41-year-old will try to prove a point on Sunday, when the Jets host him and the Steelers (1 p.m., CBS) to start the regular season.
Keep in mind, Rodgers was still so angry in April, more than three months after the Jets and new coach Aaron Glenn decided to cut the future Hall of Famer, that he spent the better part of an hour on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” airing his grievances about the way he was cut, trying to tear down Glenn, and floating the idea that he was disrespected because the Jets (who paid him $75 million for five wins in two years) made him fly cross-country, on his “own dime,” to hear the news he did not welcome
So yes, the idea that Rodgers suddenly found inner peace this summer – without even going on darkness retreat – and wouldn’t be looking to stick it to Glenn and his former teammates in Week 1 was always laughable. And Rodgers acting as if this will just be another game, after his spectacular failure to deliver any of the success he promised around here, makes the idea even more laughable. This matters to him. This matters to Glenn.
And it matters to Jets fans, who are looking for a reason to buy in, and could get it with a Week 1 win over the Steelers and their favorite former quarterback to start the Glenn era. But they could also be given a reason to check out, if an aging Rodgers finds a way to do what he couldn’t with the Jets last year: win a meaningful, close game.
So why is this good news for the Jets?
It makes it more likely that Rodgers will press. We saw it at times last year, more than we did in years of his long career with the Packers. Things that were second nature suddenly became difficult.
And with Rodgers recent stats in Week 1, there’s more potential for him to force the issue and make uncharacteristic decisions – creating opportunities for the Jets.
OnDraftKings, Jets moneyline is +130 for Saturday’s season opener versus the Steelers. Our completeDraftKings Sportsbook reviewwill show you how to use their site. For all of thebest NFL Week 1 Odds, check out our expert takes.
Since 2021, Rodgers played three full season-openers and completed just 60% of his passes in those starts (well below his career average), averaging just 165 yarsds, with four interceptions in one touchdown. It all added up to an 0-3 record. And the other season opener, in 2023, lasted just four plays before Rodgers tore his Achilles in his Jets debut.
Can the Jets take advantage, and Rodgers a fitting farewell – even ruder than the one he complained about getting from Glenn? Well, if they do, we promise you this won’t be looked back on as just another game.
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Andy Vasquez may be reached atavasquez@njadvancemedia.com.
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