A little after 2pm today, the New York Jets formally introduced Aaron Rodgers to the New York Metro media. Given Rodgers’ history with media, we weren’t sure which version we would get. Would we see the California cool version or the sometimes-cantankerous version we’ve seen the last couple seasons? Here’s everything you need to know about Aaron Rodgers’ introductory press conference.
The Introduction
The press conference started with chairman Woody Johnson introducing Aaron Rodgers as a member of the New York Jets. We were also introduced to the Joe Douglas Power Clap.
After Johnson stepped away from the lectern, Rodgers quipped, “I thought you were supposed to shake my hand.”
I respect that power move, Aaron.
Rodgers went on to thank Johnson, head coach Robert Saleh, general manager Joe Douglas, and his agent Dave Dunn for bringing him to New York. He mentioned there was a surrealness to the day, but he came to New York to win. Saying of his time in Green Bay,
That chapter is over now, and I’m excited about the new adventure here in New York.
The Respect Factor
Throughout the introductory press conference, Aaron Rodgers showed high praise for Douglas and Saleh, but showered the most praise for new offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. Under Hackett’s tutelage, Rodgers enjoyed two career years, winning back-to-back league MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. There’s another reason why he wanted to come to the Jets when he was asked what attracted him to the Jets:
Well… they smoked us last year, so I knew they had a good team.
It’s true: the Jets went into Lambeau Field last October and laid waste to the Packers. Rodgers was harassed all day and was sacked four times. He’ll have the pleasure of having them on his side in 2023. Rodgers also talked about how excited he was to work with the players around him. It’s easy to see his likability; some of his new teammates have his photo as their profile pictureon social media.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/3GbJxvGwsu
— Trending Topic ??♂️ (Most Hated?) (@BigTicket73) April 26, 2023
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/wJR1lh9Uh3
— D’ROY GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) April 24, 2023
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/6vO8zjXVAc
— Breece Hall (@BreeceH) April 24, 2023
Driven to Win
Another part of the Aaron Rodgers introductory press conference that caught my attention was the drive to win. When asked how driven he was to win for this fanbase, Rodgers acknowledged the passion the Jets fan brings. He even gave a shoutout to one of the most well-known Jets fans, Fireman Ed. Another motivation is the drive to play after he turns 40 (Rodgers turns 40 in December). Rodgers described as he got older, he wanted to experience joy. Change in one’s environment can reap big rewards. Just look at what Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Matthew Stafford did for their new teams. One more motivation: a Super Bowl.
I noticed walking in this morning that the Super Bowl III trophy was looking a little lonely.
The Weird Tension
Green Bay Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman from The Athletic was in attendance for the introductory press conference. He asked Aaron Rodgers about the offseason tension between him and Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. According to Rodgers, there was apparently a lack of communication between him and Gutekunst during the offseason. Rodgers’ response was a bit tongue-in-cheek about his cell phone service and the best way to reach him was by FaceTime. Other than that, he wouldn’t go into specific details other than to say his choices were to “retire or move on to a new team.”
He’s Here for a While
Throughout the introductory press conference, Aaron Rodgers was asked about how long he would be with the franchise. His initial response was this:
Right now, I just wanna focus on this season.
It was the right response.
Rodgers stated he was 90% sure he would retire until he went on his infamous “darkness retreat.” After the retreat and the meeting with ownership and management, Rodgers decided he wanted to be a Jet. Winning is a hell of a drug and if Rodgers can help the Jets at least earn a playoff berth in 2023, he’ll be committed to return in 2024.
Between today’s introductory press conference and tomorrow’s draft on the horizon, every Jets fan should be excited for what’s to come. If you aren’t, check your pulse.
