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“Looking a Little Lonely”: Aaron Rodgers Finds an Emptiness in the Vastness of New York Jets’ Legacy

Published 04/27/2023, 12:38 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Aaron Rodgers has arrived in New York as the new quarterback for the Jets. The success-starved franchise has bet big on the veteran to take them to glory in the next season or two. And Rodgers has certainly made his intentions clear on his very first day as a Jet. The four-time NFL MVP is there to win and wake up the sleeping giants that are the Jets.

Rodgers will wear new colors after spending all his NFL career with Green Bay Packers. He had his share of success with the franchise and the Jets would hope that he can carry that leadership to MetLife Stadium. And if his first press interaction in New York is any indication, the Jets fans are in for a treat. Rodgers wants to carry forward and add to the legacy of franchise legend Joe Namath.

Aaron Rodgers is here to win

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Aaron Rodgers grew up watching the VHS tapes of the old Super Bowls. That is where he first saw Joe Namath lift the Super Bowl trophy with the Jets. And according to him, and the fans, of course, it has been a long time since then.

“I noticed walking in this morning that the Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely. I am not here to be a savior of any kind, I am just here to be the best quarterback I can be. To lead authentically and to inspire the guys around me to raise their level of play to an even greater spot,” Rodgers said during his introductory press conference.

Namath led the Jets to a victory in Super Bowl III in 1969. That is, to date, the franchise’s only win in the big game. Rodgers wants to change that. And if he manages to do it, the new Jets number eight will force the franchise to retire his number, just like Namath’s 12 that he could have worn.

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No other number 12 in New York than Broadway Joe 

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Aaron Rodgers has worn number 12 his entire time in the NFL. But he won’t wear that with the Jets. That jersey number was the one in which Joe Namath won the Super Bowl for them. And Rodgers doesn’t want to take that away from the legend.

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Namath himself is okay with Rodgers wearing his number, despite the Jets having retired it in his honor. In fact, he had given his blessing to the notion long before Rodgers even declared his intentions to play for the franchise. But the four-time MVP will switch to eight, the number he wore during his collegiate career at the University of California.

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Now that the dust has settled after a whirlwind few weeks, Rodgers is ready for some action. He will be with the Jets throughout the offseason to prepare for the upcoming battle. Can he deliver what he promised? Do share your opinions in the comments.

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Written by:

Shivam Pratap Singh

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Shivam Pratap Singh is a seasoned NFL writer at Essentially Sports. With a master's degree in international and area studies from a prestigious university, Shivam leverages his academic background to gain a deeper understanding of the global impact of sports. Shivam's passion for football developed early in his career as a writer.
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Edited by:

Hitesh Nigam