Aaron Rodgers Could Have ‘A Little Smirk’ Before 5th Snap in Jets Opener

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh shared a lighthearted moment with reporters recently, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere that surrounded the team a year prior.

When asked if he anticipated a wave of relief when Aaron Rodgers and the Jets offense reached the fifth snap of their upcoming season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, Saleh laughed and acknowledged that possibility.

“Probably,” Saleh admitted, a grin forming as he spoke. The coach then hesitated, seemingly aware of how easily such comments could tempt fate. “I’m not even … If lightning … lightning … never mind.”

The Jets are hopeful that lightning doesn’t strike again this season. Last year, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon just four plays into his debut, an incident that significantly impacted the team’s plans.

“Turning the page from last year has involved a lot of different aspects, from returning to practice to engaging in OTAs and training camp,” Rodgers explained. “So I feel ready for this season.”

As he prepares to step onto the field in San Francisco, Rodgers is mindful that this game comes just days after the one-year anniversary of that fateful snap—a moment he refers to as one of his career’s darkest points.

Rodgers confessed he might have a bit of a smirk when he takes his fourth snap against the 49ers, reflecting on how deeply this moment resonates with him.

“I’m sure they’ll catch it,” he shared, regarding the cameras of “Monday Night Football.” “I’m in a good mind space and I’ve had a year filled with both challenges and wonderful experiences.”

He added that the moment of the national anthem would offer him a chance to reflect and express gratitude for the opportunity to play the game he loves.

This summer, Rodgers has demonstrated impressive performance on the field, throwing with the vigor reminiscent of his early days, while showing no signs of the previous injury. Saleh noted, “He’s not a 40-year-old quarterback. I think he’s going to be just fine.”

In truth, the success of the Jets this season appears heavily reliant on Rodgers performing at a higher level than just fine.

“I think you always have something to prove,” Rodgers stated, acknowledging that the focus of that drive shifts with age. “It changes who you’re proving that to as you get older.”

For the accomplished four-time NFL MVP, his primary motivation is clear. “Just myself at this point,” he stated. “I take great pride in my performance. When I step onto the field, I expect greatness because that’s the standard I hold myself to.”

Rodgers has made it clear that the goal for the Jets remains a playoff run that culminates with a trip to New Orleans, the venue for the upcoming Super Bowl in February.

With the Jets gaining momentum and becoming the betting favorites to surpass the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East, hope is blooming within the franchise as they aim to end their 13-year playoff drought. The Jets have been viewed as strong contenders to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, which would be a first for the franchise since Joe Namath’s era in 1968.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Rodgers recalled advice from former Packers coach Mike McCarthy in 2006, emphasizing that managing success would be their toughest challenge within the league.

“As the years went by, I realized how important those words are,” he said. “What McCarthy meant was that you can’t ride the highs too high; otherwise, the lows will feel even lower after a tough game.”

Rodgers emphasized the need to look beyond external perceptions. “Regardless of Monday’s outcome, if we win, we’ll hear Super Bowl talk. If we lose, we’ll face the same old Jets narrative.”

“We need to avoid getting caught up in that and trust the program we’ve built. If it’s good enough for Week 1, it should be good enough for the rest of the season. We must be competitive, show professionalism, and let the cards fall where they may.”

In other news, despite edge rusher Haason Reddick remaining in contract negotiations, Saleh didn’t rule out the possibility of his participation in the opener. “It’s feasible,” he said, noting that other veterans who held out have now returned to the field.