This summer’s excitement isn’t just about Aaron Rodgers‘ new deal and jersey number. Fans have eagerly awaited the moment when Aaron Rodgers would take to the field in his new uniform. Coach Robert Saleh had a smart strategy: he wanted Rodgers to experience the Jets–Giants matchup this summer. After all, this game is technically hosted by the Giants the ‘Big Blue’.
But here’s the kicker though, $112.5 million Aaron Rodgers had a special line of his own, an exclusive zone he wasn’t allowed to leave. Now, imagine this, a snapshot from Jets Co-owner Woody Johnson reveals Rodgers at the Jets facility, not minding the long line of eager fans behind barriers.
Chairman catches priceless Aaron Rodgers moment
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Woody Johnson, a former US Ambassador to the UK and the Chairman of the New York Jets captured this heartwarming moment on his Instagram. He described it perfectly, saying, “You couldn’t get Aaron Rodgers to leave the autograph line.” And what a sight it was- the NFL quarterback donning a snazzy red jersey with the number 8 proudly & giving his probably an hour-long time. Rodgers just being patient signed autographs for his devoted fans even clutching footballs and helmets for his signature.
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Rodgers’ new number with the Jets, and boy, does it suit him well. However, Rodgers used to sport the number 12 back in his Green Bay Packers days. But he made a move that caught everyone’s attention. Out of respect for the legendary Jets quarterback Joe Namath, whose number 12 is retired by the team, Rodgers decided to switch it up.
Rodgers’ number choice?
Namath gave his blessing for Rodgers to take on his number, but Rodgers decided to pay homage to Namath by choosing a different number “8”. He explained this at his Jets introduction press conference in April, saying, “I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me, 12 is Broadway Joe. And I didn’t want to even go down that path. I’m excited about going back to my college number.”
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READ MORE – Aaron Rodgers Walks Away From Decade-Long $131.2 Billion Endorsement Deal, Days After $35 Million Paycut
Now, at 39 years old, Rodgers is wearing a number he hasn’t worn in nearly two decades. And here’s the grand significance- it’s been four decades of longing for the Jets to secure their second Lombardi Trophy. The last time this happened was in 1969, thanks to former quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath.
At 80 years old now, Namath achieved this feat as the underdog in Super Bowl III, when the Jets triumphed over the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. This victory wasn’t just a win for the Jets; it marked the first time an AFL team defeated an NFL team in their championship clash.
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So, Rodgers is here to repeat history, it’s also about the hope of reliving past glory and breaking a long-standing championship drought.
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