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Aaron Rodgers took a moment Thursday to reflect on his new life since joining the New York Jets. And it’s clear the future Hall of Famer is quite happy making a fresh start in New York after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
“Every day I’m thinking, and I won’t say it out loud, but I’ll sit back with the guys in the room, take a second sometimes and it’s: How cool is this?” Rodgers told reporters.
“There’s a lot of times — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — where I just look around and say: This is my life now. How cool is this?”
Aaron Rodgers sat down with a group of reporters today. He ended with this quote about his experience with the #Jets so far (it's a long one):
"I told a friend this has felt like waking up inside of a dream, this whole experience. A beautiful dream. So many times you have a…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 31, 2023
Rodgers seems invigorated about this new chapter in his life, both on the field and off. He’s embraced his role as transformative figure and unquestioned leader with the Jets, as well as the enormous expectations that have been placed on him.
And the 39-year-old has also taken to his new surroundings, exploring all New York City has to offer.
During OTAs, training camp, preseason and again Thursday, Rodgers said he feels like he’s living a dream.
“I told a friend this has felt like waking up inside of a dream, this whole experience. A beautiful dream,” Rodgers said. “So many times, you have a great dream and you wake up and you think: I just want to get back into that but I can’t quite get back into the dream. I’ve woken up inside of that dream and it’s been really, really special.”
Aaron Rodgers has helped change Jets culture
Rodgers has given back as much as he’s absorbed so far with the Jets. A positive, and hopefully winning, culture has emerged within the organization, due in large part to the example Rodgers puts forth every day.
This message from Aaron Rodgers about Mekhi Becton can be applied to all our lives and how we treat people. pic.twitter.com/NNZv7ZTfzT
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 27, 2023
He has taken on a mentor role with young quarterback Zach Wilson. He befriended and publicly supported oft-maligned tackle Mekhi Becton, who’s improved health and renewed confidence led him to land a starting role on the offensive line. And Rodgers has been inclusive, opening lines of communication and helping bring players together in the locker room.
“One thing has happened almost every single day that just reminds me I’m in the right place, I’m where I’m supposed to be and I’m really just loving what this opportunity has given me,” Rodgers said.
Now Rodgers and the Jets need to win football games. New York hasn’t made the playoffs in 12 seasons but general manager Joe Douglas said Thursday the Jets “are not running or hiding from expectations.” He did add that the Jets still have “a lot to prove.”
That will begin Sept. 11 with Rodgers under center when the Jets host the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.
Rodgers will be hoping that the dream will continue and keep getting better.
