Aaron Rodgers won’t wear No. 12, he’ll wear a new number. The Green Bay Packers have finally traded Rodgers to the New York Jets, which means his new team gets a fresh start with a new number.
Because the No. 12 is retired to honor Joe Namath, Rodgers will wear No. 8 for the Jets. However, he was already told by Namath that he could wear it, but he still chose not to.
Rodgers, speaking during his introductory press conference with the Jets, said that his respect for Namath was the primary reason why he is changing uniform numbers.
“There are some iconic names that have played here, probably none more iconic than number 12,” Rodgers said, via the team’s website. “And I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me, 12 is Broadway Joe and I didn’t even want to go down that path. And I’m excited about going back to my college number.”
A Rodgers No. 12 Packers jersey has become a fixture in football, so this new No. 8 Jets jersey will definitely take some getting used to.
Namath, via a text message to the Jets’ organization, alluded to the No. 12 while responding to Rodgers officially becoming a part of the franchise.
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“Like all Jets fans, I’m thrilled about having Aaron on our team! I sincerely appreciate his respect for the history of our organization and my contributions to it. Now let’s end a TWELVE year drought to make the playoffs!!!”
Back in Green Bay, Rodgers was the third quarterback to lead the franchise to a Super Bowl win. Namath remains the only quarterback to lead the Jets to a title following New York’s win over the Colts in Super Bowl III.
It’s been 54 years since Namath and the Jets won Super Bowl III.
Rodgers will also be aided by a defense that finished fourth in the NFL in points allowed last season. He now has the defense as well as the weapons to get things done.
Just like the Super Bowl, Namath is the only Jets quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season. Rodgers will likely become second on that list if he can return to form after a down year in 2022.
New York went 7-10 last season with maybe the worst quarterback situation in football. Suddenly, the Jets have expectations they haven’t had in years.
