Julia StumbaughSeptember 18, 2024
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New york city Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated it’s “unique” to still be playing in the NFL ahead of Thursday’s home opener versus the New England Patriots and head coach Jerod Mayo.
Rodgers, 40, and Mayo, 38, last took on opposite sides of an NFL field when they were both gamers.
Mayo retired as a linebacker in 2015 after 8 seasons, while Rodgers is heading into his 20th year as an NFL quarterback.
“It simply gets a little odd when you’re betting head coaches you bet, and you’re having fun with guys that might be your kid,” Rodgers stated on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “Yeah, it’s an excellent tip of how unique it is to still be dipping into 40.”
Rodgers informed press reporters the reduced week in between the Jets’ Sunday win over the Tennessee Titans and the Thursday night contest versus the Patriots provides an additional obstacle for him.
“It’s certainly hard on the body, difficult on the week, however simpler for a guy who’s 20 than a guy’s who’s 40,” Rodgers stated. “But I’ll be prepared.”
The Jets lineup includes the league’s youngest gamer, 20-year-old Braelon Allen, who ran for a 20-yard goal versus the Titans.
Rodgers, who handed the ball off to Allen for the goal, stated he ‘d been viewing the running back given that his age-17 freshman season at Wisconsin in 2017.
“He turned 18 in January of his freshman year,” Rodgers stated, per Cimini. “Now he’ll turn 21 in January of his novice year. That’s insane.”
Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, is the earliest gamer in the NFL.
Rodgers’ existing agreement with the Jets goes through the 2025 season, although he has yet to dedicate to playing after 2024.
That puts pressure on the Jets to concentrate on this season, beginning with Thursday’s video game at MetLife Stadium, where Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury throughout his Jets debut last season.
The veteran quarterback will expect a much better result as he aims to lead the Jets to a 2-1 season-opening record with a win over Mayo and the Patriots.