Aaron Rodgers Reflects on His Abrupt Departure from the Jets
Aaron Rodgers’ final encounter with the New York Jets appeared to mirror his initial experience with the team—brief and distressing.
In a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers criticized new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. This was Rodgers’ first public statement since the franchise decided to release him in February.
Short Meeting and Disappointment
The 41-year-old quarterback traveled from his home in California to New Jersey, expecting a lengthy discussion with Glenn and newly appointed general manager Darren Mougey. Instead, the meeting was over in just 15 minutes, with Rodgers feeling that Glenn failed to show him “ample respect.”
During this brief discussion, Glenn abruptly left the room to fetch Mougey, which Rodgers described as peculiar. He recounted, “I thought we would have this extensive conversation. I flew cross-country, and within 20 seconds, he leaned forward and asked, ‘So, you want to play football?’ I replied, ‘Yes, I’m interested,’ and then he informed me, ‘We’re going in a different direction at quarterback.’”
Rodgers’ Reaction
Rodgers expressed surprise—not because he was unaware that this was a possibility, but due to the manner in which it was delivered. He remarked, “You could have told me this over the phone after I flew across the country.”
He noted that the Jets didn’t seem interested in discussing his desire to stay with the team or his thoughts on teammates but were more focused on how he would manage the narrative surrounding his release. “I don’t care about the messaging. Why?” he stated.
Strange Dynamics in the Meeting
Rodgers also suggested that Glenn appeared concerned about the influence he might wield, indicating he didn’t want the players looking at Rodgers while addressing the team. “It was an unusual meeting for sure,” Rodgers recounted. “I wasn’t trying to plead, ‘Please keep me on the team.’ This whole situation was chaotic. The head coach’s approach was a bit unorthodox.”
Future Considerations
Before leaving the Jets’ facility, Rodgers spent another 25 minutes with the training and equipment staff, complimenting vice chairman Christopher Johnson, though he notably did not mention chairman Woody Johnson. “There are clearly issues that need to be addressed there,” he added.
This conclusion marks a tumultuous two-year chapter for Rodgers with the Jets, which began when he expressed a desire to be traded from the Packers to New York. The anticipated trade occurred in April 2023, but injuries and disappointing records led to his release in February 2025. As Rodgers becomes a free agent for the first time in his career, speculation surrounds his potential new home, with options including discussions with the Steelers among others.
Personal Focus and Future Decisions
Rodgers called Giants coach Brian Daboll a “beautiful football mind” and, at 41, is taking time to focus on his personal life amid serious challenges faced by those close to him. He remains open to retirement, stating he does not feel pressured to make a decision regarding his future with a team. “I am trying to be open to everything and not specifically attached to anything regarding this decision,” he concluded. “I’m not holding anybody hostage.”
