Aaron Rodgers admits he could be just days away from his final NFL appearance as he weighs retirement.
Rodgers and the New York Jets will end their disastrous season when they face the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
And amid questions about his future in the sport, with many calling for him to retire at age 41, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback accepts this weekend could be the last time he sets foot on the field.
“Yes, of course,” he said when asked if he considered Sunday's game could become his NFL finale.
Rodgers, who will reach 248 NFL appearances when he lines up against the Dolphins, has endured one of the worst seasons of his career with the Jets, who are now 4-12 after being eliminated from playoff contention. weeks ago.
He has thrown 10 interceptions in 16 appearances, the fourth-most he has thrown in a single season in 19 years in the NFL, while being sacked 37 times, the fifth-highest total of his career.
Aaron Rodgers admits he could be just days away from his last NFL appearance
The four-time MVP is also on pace to record his fewest passing yards (3,623) in a season in which he has played at least 10 games.
Before Sunday's season finale, Rodgers revealed that he will decide whether to continue playing in 2025 before free agency in March, while also reflecting on his career with the emotional tone of a man contemplating retirement a lot.
“Just a lot of gratitude for the last 20 years and the many, countless lives I've known and for the teammates and coaches I now call friends,” he said.
“This game has given me a lot and I have given a lot back. Grateful for that. I won't think about it on game day, I'll just enjoy it.
“I'm trying to stay in the moment, but of course it's been a long career that I'm very proud of, what I've been able to be a part of, what I've been able to achieve. I'm also looking forward to a good rest physically and mentally.”
And with him likely saying goodbye to the Jets for good, with the two sides expected to go their separate ways in the offseason, Rodgers surprisingly described his disastrous stint in New York as the most enjoyable of his life.
'I mean, gratitude, honestly. “It's been the best two years of my life,” he said of his tenure with the Jets. 'And that's a perspective adjustment that happened at some point during the rehab process last year.
“But just the excitement, falling in love with the game again, meeting these guys here, the great men and women that work here, it's been a lot of fun.”
Rodgers has endured one of the worst seasons of his NFL career with the Jets this season.
“Obviously on the pitch there has been a lack of expansion, no doubt, but this game is more than just that.
“Obviously I wish things had gone better on the field, but nothing but gratitude for this moment in my life.”
On his likely departure from the Jets, he added: “I'm more resigned to the reality of the situation. I think there are going to be changes here, and if I'm part of the change, then I just want to make sure everyone knows that I have nothing more than gratitude for my time here. I enjoyed talking to you all every week and the questions. I really appreciate it.
“Once again, I'm disappointed in my performance and the team's, but I'm very grateful for the opportunity. If I feel good coming back and they want to try again, that would be fantastic, but I'm not naive to the situation we're in.” “.