For the Jets, the season ended on a winning note. They defeated the Dolphins by 32-20. Aaron Rodgers led them all the way with 23 of 36 passes in 274 yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. But the HC Jeff Ulbrich mentioned in his post-game conference that the locker was ‘bittersweet, emotional‘ after the win. They had to. For most of the players, they might not play with the legendary quarterback again. But is it time to wrap up?

Even A-rod was emotional during the post-game. Though he didn’t show any such emotion, his statement stunned everyone. He remarked, “I knew my time, in 2022, was done in Green Bay. It just felt like it was time for all of us, it was unsaid maybe on their side, but it was understood, I think, by all of us that it was time to go separate ways.” Reflecting more on his future, he continued, “I need to figure out whether I still had the desire to play or whether I could get the love for the game back. I had tremendous love for the game. Now, I don’t feel that. So I can’t say it feels anything like that.” Though he didn’t mention clearly if wanted to retire, for many fans, it feels like his confirmation to the end of his 2-decade-long career. That’s crazy.

Aaron Rodgers finished the season with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 3,897 passing yards. That’s better than his last year at the Packers when he had 26 TDs and 12 interceptions. But result-wise, it was much poorer as he has a 5-12 win-loss record while he finished 2022 with a 9-8 record. That depends on the locker room as well.

The quarterback couldn’t get well with the staff and the owner, Woody Johnson. He had issues with Robert Saleh since the off-season because of his Egypt Trip when the mandatory minicamp was organized. Later, during the season, he spoke against the Jets’ management, claiming they didn’t have a good public image. But he is ready. He understands the dynamics of the league.

Out of the entire Jets locker room, one person has seen him grow over these years. It’s his long-time teammate Davante Adams, the receiver and A-Rod’s bestie who came to the Jets mid-season.

Davante Adams believes Aaron Rodgers could still play

After the game, Adams was asked about his views on the retirement rumors. As you would expect from a genuine friend, Davante Adams claimed that Aaron Rodgers can still play. While talking about the year, he said, “He hasn’t played perfect, nobody’s played perfect. It’s been an interesting year. The people would kinda jump out of nowhere saying that he doesn’t have it anymore. Obviously, that’s not the case. It would be a little bit of surprise. Him playing 20+ years is unspeakable. Can’t blame him if he does.”

The receiver was right there. Many analysts have attacked A-Rod for not showing courage and fighting spirit during the games. ESPN’s First Take host Ryan Clark even called him a ‘fraud.’ Later, Shannon Sharpe criticized the quarterback for not using the offseason well enough to mingle with his teammates. However, there are other factors as well.

He is 41 years old now. In 2024, he entered the league as the oldest player. The injuries, the fatigue, and the coordination have taken a toll on his body. For now, we might have to wait for any announcement about his future.