Aaron Rodgers said last week that the Green Bay Packers will always have his heart in him as he left the franchise after 18 years in New York. But now a member of the Jets, the 39-year-old is sure to love life these days with his new team and hometown.
In fact, it seems like he hasn’t stopped smiling since then.
The former Packers quarterback was already training with the Jets in their offseason program, socializing with teammates and integrating himself into the city by attending New York Rangers and Knicks playoff games while mingling with celebrities. Oh, and he’ll be back at Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Knicks’ playoff series against the Miami Heat with Jets cornerback Suss Gardner, who famously burned cheesehead trying to recruit Rodgers to New York.
“I just pinch myself a lot,” Rodgers said Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the first time he’s appeared on the show since announcing his intention to play for the Jets in mid-March. “I can’t believe it’s real sometimes. It was a dream, sure, to be here. It definitely feels invigorating to have you on the block.”
Rodgers wrote a heartfelt goodbye to the players and their fans last week. He stressed on Tuesday that whatever happens in the future will not erase nearly two decades of memories.
“It takes nothing away from the beautiful 18 years I’ve had at Green Bay,” Rodgers said. “How could you ask for anything better than that? This is a special place to play.”
Rodgers said there is a “beauty” of being in the same place for so long.
Rodgers admitted that it was “strange” to learn new routines, though one thing that wouldn’t change was his tempo at the line of scrimmage, he said.
“Change can be great. It’s definitely hard,” Rodgers said. “There are some bittersweet moments. Driving at 1 Jets Drive is a little different than driving to 1265 Lombardi every day. But I’m enjoying it. And I’m really glad you’re here.”
Being the new player at the facility, Rodgers said, “It’s like the first day of school every day.”
“Everything is new, exciting and fun,” he added.
Rodgers enjoyed this Rangers win celebration with Aline Lazard and Bryce Hall at MSG, chatting with Spike Lee from his seat at Knicks Stadium, while rapper Jack Harlow was two seats away.
“When I went to the Knicks game last night I met Spike Lee, Martha Stewart and Patrick Ewing,” said Rodgers, who owns a minority stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. “I’m sitting next to Jack Harlow. So much fun. Just a ball.”
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