Former Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma thinks it's time for Aaron Rodgers to hang up his cleats.
Vilma, who currently works as an NFL broadcast analyst on FOX with Kenny Albert, said he understands why Rodgers would want to play and try again during the 2025 season, but sticking to the game is something Rodgers will remember. I felt that it could have an impact on
Rodgers, 41, is no longer the player he was with the Jets, and the team is just 4-11 after failing to close a number of close games in the fourth quarter.
One reason for that is that he suffered a season-ending injury on his first drive as a Jet last season.
“The fan in me says, yes, he should retire, because I want to remember Aaron Rodgers when I played against him in this game as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.” Wilma said this in an interview with Sports Lens. “I just remember staying up late and shaking my head because you can't stop him. You can slow him down. You can't hope he gets a day off.” But you couldn't stop him. And that was the most frustrating thing, a player like him, in his prime. Tom Brady, when I practiced with him, playing with guys like Drew Brees, it's really frustrating because you're literally trying your best and it's still not good enough. His best is not about winning that day.
“That's why I want to remember him. I don't want to remember him as a man who doesn't look like me. Everybody says he doesn't look like me. I don't know what the problem is, but… As a fan, I always want to be reminded of the greatness of that man, that player. As an athlete, I have friends and there was a part of me that said: At that time, I had a daughter, she was young, it was time to move on, get off the train, think about family life, play with my daughter, have fun and have a great career.
Rodgers has been tight-lipped about his future plans and whether he could be a Jet next season if new GM and head coach Gang Green want him back.
“I can see a world where people just say, 'Hey, thank you, we're going to go in a different direction,'” the future Hall of Famer said on his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Jan. 6. ”
Rodgers' Jets will go another year without a postseason appearance, ending the season with games against the Bills and Dolphins.
