(CNN) Four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion Aaron Rodgers was introduced on Wednesday New York Jets‘The new signal caller.
“It’s a surreal day for me after spending 18 years in the same city,” the Jets quarterback told reporters. “I’m here because I believe in this team. I believe in (head coach Robert Saleh’s) direction (Jets general manager Joe Douglas).
“Obviously, he’s drawn really well over the last couple of years. Obviously, a big thank you to him Green Bay Packers Set up for an incredible run. That chapter is now over, and I’m excited about a new adventure in New York.”
He added: “I’m an old boy so I want to be part of a team that can win it all and I believe this is where we can do that.”
Rodgers said he noticed the Jets’ only Super Bowl trophy walking inside the Jets’ facility Wednesday morning “looking a little lonely.”
The Green Bay Packers traded their longtime quarterback to the Jets along with the Packers’ 15th overall pick and fifth-round pick in Thursday’s NFL draft.
If Rodgers plays at least 65% of the Jets’ offensive plays this coming season, the Packers will receive the Jets’ 13th overall pick, one of the Jets’ second-round picks, a sixth-round pick and their 2024 first-round draft pick. , ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Rodgers joked that he knew the Jets were the next team he played after the Jets “smoked” the Packers last season.
Rodgers addressed his intentions to play for the Jets beyond the 2023 season.
“Now, I’m going to focus on this season,” he said. “I’m happy to be here and I expect to be here for the rest of the season.”
Rodgers continued: “I’m going to be here for the foreseeable future.”
After the press conference, Rodgers wore his new green and white number. Raised the 8 jersey.
The 39-year-old said he heard what Jets legend Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath had to say. Iconic number for the Jets Rodgers. It would be perfect if 12 Namath retired the jersey, but the new Jets quarterback said: “To me, 12 Broadway Joe.”
Rodgers spent his 18-season career with Green Bay, leading the team to a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV in 2011.
The Jets finished with a 7-10 record last season, missing the playoffs for the 12th straight year.
