The Aaron Rodgers trade has finally happened. After months of reports, speculation, and Twitter fights, the two teams came to an agreement. Now we can start to analyze other parts of this move that seemed inconsequential when it was still pending. One of the big questions was what number Rodgers would wear as a Jet. Hall-of-Fame quarterback Joe Namath wore 12 and that number has been retired. Minutes after the trade, Adam Schefter announced Rodgers would be wearing a new number.
Although Hall-of-Fame QB Joe Namath gave Aaron Rodgers his blessing to wear No. 12, the new Jets‘ QB is expected to wear No. 8 — the number he wore in college at Cal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2023
Aaron Rodgers Gets New Number
Rodgers will wear number 8 for the Jets. This isn’t a random number by any means. It is the number that he wore in college when he played for California. It will definitely be weird to see Rodgers in another number but I do like the decision overall. Namath is a legend of the game and the Jets. To pull his number out of retirement would have felt disrespectful. It is good to see both Rodgers and the Jets respecting the history of the game and the Jets franchise.
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Outlook Moving Forward
Now that this is behind both teams, they can start to move forward into their new eras. The Jets can finally get Rodgers in the building and acclimated with his new team. The Packers can officially move into the Jordan Love era and begin building around him. Overall, the trade seems very fair for both sides though I think the conditions on the 2024 pick benefit the Packers greatly. The fact that it is not contingent on what Rodgers does next year is huge. It sets the Packers up for this year as well as the future. Now all that is left is to nail the picks.
Aaron Rodgers getting a new number is also good because the Packers will always have the 12 version of him. Maybe I’m being sentimental but I like that 12 will be unique to the green and gold. The Jordan Love era has begun and the draft is on Thursday. What each team does will help shape the franchises for years to come.
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1 Comment
While Rodgers is a top quarterback, I believe he could be another Brett Farve ..same move to the jets!!