The cameras formed a circle around Aaron Rodgers as he began the slow, short walk toward the tunnel.
Much of MetLife Stadium had emptied long before the end of this season-ending victory against the Miami Dolphins. Many more fans had arrived in the parking lot by the time Rodgers left the field.
But behind the Jets bench, near the walkway leading to the home locker room, there was standing room only. Fans crowded and jostled to see the 41-year-old quarterback. Some t-shirts hung above the advertising posters. Others waved, applauded or raised their cell phones to the sky.
Rodgers responded by raising his left hand and waving to the stands. He tapped an outstretched arm and then walked out of sight. Last?
Only he knows. Only time will tell. Only one thing is certain: Rodgers hasn't lost his love of theater.
Almost two years ago, to this day, Rodgers left Lambeau Field for the last time as a Green Bay Packer. He made sure his close friend Randall Cobb was by his side. Cobb was here Sunday, but this time Rodgers was flanked by another of his best friends, Davante Adams. “That meant a lot,” he said.
Aaron Rodgers says goodbye to fans as he leaves the field for perhaps the last time.
Rodgers revealed he will hold talks with the Jets in the next 24 hours about his NFL future.
The quarterback led the Jets to victory over the Dolphins in what could be his last game in the NFL.
They have formed one of the best quarterback-receiver partnerships this league has ever seen. And against the Dolphins they combined to end a miserable season (5-12) with a win. For Rodgers, it could be a farewell gift
This is expected to be his last game with New York. It could be the 41-year-old's last appearance in the NFL.
If this is it? Well, there are worse ways to retire. Rodgers made more history and led New York to a 32-20 victory.
But it's not exactly what he promised. In April 2023, the quarterback vowed to lead the Jets to a second Super Bowl. In the end? During these last two seasons he was closer to a presidential bid than the playoffs, much less a Vince Lombardi Trophy.
On Sunday, Rodgers provided flashes of his enduring quality and threw for four touchdowns, the most he has had in any Jets game. He also reached another milestone in a brilliant career, becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach 500 touchdown passes.
Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre are the only ones who have overcome that barrier. And yet, it seemed quite fitting that Rodgers would join the 500 club in this way. In a meaningless game. Hardly anyone here to witness it.
Even with a four-time MVP under center, the Jets are still a laughingstock. And the dark humor continued on Sunday. Rodgers threw an interception on his first pass. He lined up as a wide receiver. On a trick play, Allen Lazard attempted a touchdown pass to the quarterback. It was comical. But also a little sad.
And to think it's been less than 500 days since electricity and power surged in this portion of New Jersey during the three plays. Then Rodgers fell and all hope and anticipation evaporated.
Rodgers threw for four touchdowns, the most he has scored in any game as a Jets player.
The 41-year-old combined with Davante Adams as the Jets secured the victory at MetLife Stadium.
Rodgers celebrates with offensive lineman Max Mitchell after throwing his 500th career touchdown.
He has never returned. On that opening night of the 2023 season, the quarterback emerged, wearing the stars and stripes, into a wall of noise and color. He returned to the locker room on Sunday after what he has called “the best two years of (his) life.”
By then the sun had set on a miserable season. Perhaps in an era that once promised so much and a career that delivered so much.
Hours earlier, fans stepping off the trains at the Meadowlands were met with blue skies but also biting winds and rumors that had begun to circulate: Yes, this really could be it.
Reports emerged that several people close to Rodgers had begun preparing for the next chapter: not just life outside the Jets but life outside the NFL altogether.
Rodgers teased that possibility earlier in the week while reflecting on everything he has given to this game and everything it has given him. Those last 20 years would not be on his mind, Rodgers insisted, come game day. But it must have been hard not to look at the big screen.
As the Jets finished warm-ups, the jumbotron showed the final moments of the Chicago Bears' victory over the Green Bay Packers. At Lambeau Field, where it all began for Rodgers in September 2008.
The Packers – where Rodgers spent 18 seasons – are preparing for the playoffs; here they can't even display a flag without problems. Shortly before kickoff, dozens of fans fanned out across the field holding a giant green Jets flag. I was on the wrong path.
At least there was hardly anyone here to see the mistake. The flag was gone by the time the players lined up for the national anthem.
Rodgers' first pass of the game against the Miami Dolphins was intercepted by the defense
The 41-year-old linked arms with Adams and Allen Lazard during the national anthem.
Rodgers hugged Adams and then tried to connect with his old friend. The pass was cut off; Rodgers could only shake his head.
A few minutes later, Rodgers and Adams swapped sides and the receiver got crushed. Three goals in two series and did all the Jets have to prove it? One interception and one negative yard.
A bleak start, but a clear example of how, on the Jets, many things do not work as they should. Or, in the case of Rodgers and Adams, as it once happened. What a miserable couple of years these have been!
Even after returning to the field, the quarterback has been in rehab, at least that's what he feels. Even with this win, New York had a higher winning percentage with Zach Wilson under center.
That's not just up to Rodgers, of course. The Jets are a broken organization without a head coach or general manager. It seems almost certain that they will soon need a new quarterback as well. You won't find anyone as experienced or as decorated as Rodgers.
Rodgers reached 500 with a short pass to Tyler Conklin. He kept the ball and then moved on to 501 with a 13-yard pass to Lazard. Touchdowns 502 and 503 secured the victory. They came via short passes, to Adams and then Breece Hall, and ensured that Rodgers finished the game with 274 yards.
Now it's time to choose what comes next. To decide if this really is goodbye.