After 20 seasons, Aaron Rodgers concedes last game could be Jan. 5

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played 20 seasons in the NFL. He doesn’t yet know if he’ll play a 21st.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, during his weekly media session, the four-time league most valuable player acknowledged the matchup on Sunday, Jan. 5, with the Miami Dolphins could be his final game.

“This game has given me a lot. I’ve given a lot back to it, and I’m thankful for it. I won’t be thinking about that come game day. I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m just trying to stay in the moment, but of course it’s been a long career. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Rodgers said.

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The Jets haven’t accomplished very much this season. It hasn’t always gone the 41-year-old’s way during his two-year stretch in New York. In 2023 he suffered an Achilles injury on just the fourth snap of the first game. This season he has battled a host of different ailments trying to keep the season afloat.

Considering team ownership is looking for a new head coach and new general manager, the future Hall of Famer knows the Jets may want to just move on.

“I just won’t resign to the reality of the situation, I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows that I have nothing but gratitude for my time here,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a great experience all around, and again, I’m disappointed about the performance of both myself and as a team, but really thankful for the opportunity.”

Rodgers wants to take some time to rest his body and his mind. He also admitted, after two seasons of rehab for his injuries, that he doesn’t know if he wants to go through the grind of getting ready to play another season. He is under contract for one more year with the Jets at a salary cap hit of $23.5 million, but expects the team to decide on his future before free agency begins in mid-March.

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He joked about what he’d do in the meantime, referring to his much talked about 2023 summer plans.

“Probably darkness again. No, I think I’m done with that, won’t be doing any darkness retreats this offseason,” Rodgers joked.

There is another subject on his mind. Rodgers is just one touchdown away from 500 in his career. He’ll aim for that record Sunday in his home stadium, but if it doesn’t happen, he seems to be at peace.

“I’d be fine sleeping 20 years from now if I finished on 499, but 500 definitely looks better on paper,” he said.