Aaron Rodgers’ final game of the 2024 season was both significant and bittersweet for the quarterback and the New York Jets. On January 5, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, Rodgers completed 23 of 36 passes, throwing for 273 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Jets to a 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins. This performance capped off what has been described as a disappointing season overall for the Jets, ending with a 5-12 record after much higher expectations.
One of the highlights of the game was Rodgers achieving the milestone of 500 career touchdown passes, becoming only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach this mark, joining the ranks of legends like Tom Brady and Drew Brees. His milestone pass came early in the second quarter when he connected with tight end Tyler Conklin for the score. Reflecting on the moment, Rodgers said, “Yeah, it was good, it was kind of like old-school red-zone touchdown.” The Jets celebrated the accomplishment on the field as Conklin handed the game ball back to Rodgers, marking the occasion with excitement.
Not only did he secure his 500th touchdown pass during the game, but he also showed his strong connection with his teammates, completing his 501st and 502nd touchdown passes to Allen Lazard and Breece Hall respectively. These connections highlighted not only the coordinated effort of the Jets’ offense but also hinted at the potential for continuity as the franchise looks to the future.
Despite these achievements, questions surrounding Rodgers’ future have begun to loom larger as he moves away from the 2024 season. After the game, the 41-year-old quarterback expressed gratitude for his time spent with the Jets but remained non-committal about what lies ahead. Rodgers remarked, “I just need some time away to think about my future... either way I’m thankful for my two years here.”
Speculation around his future has intensified since, particularly following his decision to retain the ball from both his 500th touchdown pass and his final touchdown pass of the game, completed to Hall. This has raised eyebrows, leading many to wonder if these keepsakes were intended to symbolize his departure from the game or from the Jets. Breece Hall himself has been vocal about wanting Rodgers back for another season, stating, “He could definitely help the new GM and coach, as well as play ball.”
Adding credence to these sentiments, Jets icon Joe Namath took to social media to advocate for Rodgers to continue his career with the team. “After watching @AaronRodgers12 play today, there’s no doubt he’s got at least another year in him,” he declared. “So if he WANTS to, I’d love to see him stay with the Jets.” Namath’s words resonate not just as support for Rodgers but as hope for fans longing for stability and leadership on the field.
The Jets are now left to navigate their future, involving the search for both a new head coach and general manager, aiming to reshape the franchise culture. With these changes, the question remains whether the organization will want to keep Rodgers on the roster, or if the team will decide to pursue different options as they recalibrate after yet another disappointing season.
For his part, Rodgers acknowledged the need for significant reflection before moving forward. Highlighting the uncertain course, he stated, “If they want me to be part of the next phase or if they’re ready to move on, either way, I won’t be upset or offended.” He indicated openness to playing for another team next season if the Jets choose to move on without him, demonstrating his enduring confidence and competitive spirit. “I know I can still play. I know I can still do the things I need to do to be successful,” he reiterated.
With such monumental decisions looming on the horizon, the Jets will have to clarify their vision for the future. For their part, fans can only hope for continued innovation and excitement moving forward, especially with the caliber of talent Rodgers brings to the lineup when healthy and engaged. The pendulum of possibility swings heavily as the franchise stands at this crossroads.”