Still Playing: A Special Achievement

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers is set to experience a whirlwind of emotions during the New York Jets’ home opener against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. This game marks his return to MetLife Stadium following a devastating injury last September, when he tore his left Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season.

At 40 years old, Rodgers represents a bridge between generations in the NFL, being two years older than Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, and juxtaposed with Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen, who at just 20 years old made headlines last week by becoming the youngest NFL player to score from scrimmage since 1930.

Rodgers reflects on this unique dynamic, saying, “It just gets a little weird when you’re playing against head coaches you played against, and you’re playing with guys that could be your kid. Yeah, it’s a good reminder of how special it is to still be playing at 40.”

Mayo entered the league in 2008, three years after Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, creating an interesting story of their shared history. They previously faced off as players back in 2010, where Mayo’s impressive 16-tackle performance came in a losing effort.

Rodgers, now the oldest active player in the league, assisted Allen in making history during last week’s victory over the Tennessee Titans. In that match, Rodgers threw a screen pass to Allen, who scored a 12-yard touchdown. Additionally, in the fourth quarter, he adjusted the play for a running touchdown that allowed Allen to dash for 20 yards into the end zone.

With an age of 20 years and 239 days, Allen became the youngest player since the NFL merger in 1970 to score multiple touchdowns in a game. Rodgers has been following Allen’s career since 2021 when he was a freshman at Wisconsin.

“I joked around from the first time he sat down in front of me,” Rodgers recalled. “I knew who he was when we drafted him. I had heard about this 17-year-old kid playing at the University of Wisconsin while I was in Green Bay. I couldn’t believe it.”

Indeed, Allen’s impressive trajectory continues to astonish. He turns 21 in January of his rookie season, emphasizing the unusual nature of his early NFL career.

Alongside Breece Hall, who is the Jets’ No. 1 running back, Allen refers to their duo as “The Killer Bees.” Together, they proved to be a formidable pairing in their recent game, contributing a combined 170 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. They worked cohesively in the same backfield several times, including during the play that led to Allen’s touchdown.

Now in the same huddle as Rodgers, Allen reflects on the remarkable nature of this experience. “It’s awesome,” he said. “Not a lot of people have that opportunity, to be this young in this position at this stage of their life. I’m extremely blessed and proud. I’m just trying to keep stacking.”

Rodgers has emphasized the importance of a strong offensive start in Thursday’s game, noting that the Jets have struggled early in their previous matchups. He is determined to change this trend as they seek to show a more productive offense right out of the gate.

He commented on the need for a shift, stating, “It would be a boondoggle to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results…We’ve been starting really slow the first two weeks, so we’ve got to start faster, put something together in the first 15 plays, and give our defense a chance to play with the lead.”

Last year, Rodgers made a memorable entrance in Week 1, waving an American flag as he took to the field. Though uncertain about what to expect this time, he looks forward to making his home debut, Part II, despite the demanding schedule.

“It’s definitely tough on the body, tough on the week,” he remarked, “but easier for a guy who’s 20 than a guy who’s 40. But I’ll be ready.”