A day after closing his long-awaited trade with the Jets, Aaron Rodgers thanked the Packers and their fans after 18 years in Green Bay.
The quarterback took to Instagram to share the message, singling out his Green Bay head coaches Mike McCarthy and Matt Lafleur, president Mark Murphy and general manager Brian Gutkunst, among many others.
I’m not sure it’s possible to fully express my gratitude to the Packers, our amazing fans, Wisconsin, the thousands of players I’ve crossed paths with, the amazing men and women who work in the organization, and the amazing people I’ve met along the way, in one 10-picture post, but I hope To read this and feel my heart and soul filled with love, joy and peace about my time in green and gold, the statement began.
I grew up in Green Bay, I was 21, I fell in love with the game, I met some lifelong friends, and I took with me memories that will last a lifetime.
I’m grateful to the late Ted Thompson for drafting me, to the head coaches, especially the 13 years with Mike McCarthy, and the last 4 years with Matt Lafleur. I’ve had some amazing guys to work with in the QB room over the years including Tom, AVP, Luke and Connor.
The New York Jets officially approved a deal for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday
A big thank you to my gear room buddies Red, TBone, Odea, Kev, Bryan, Andy Grouber, and all my dear training room friends over the years, Nate, Flea, Doc McKenzie, Doc Gray, and… Pepp, and coz.
The legendary Adam Curzon and his wonderful crew; Dougie, Crabby and Scotty, for always looking out for me; Tom, Nate, Sarah, and Jason in PR, Evan for bringing my work life to film, The Rock and Wayne, for giving words to the highlights of my career, Gray, and Big Rob for your work with Our guys over the years, Bloke and Thad and Grant and Gizz in the weight room and Bob Harlan and Russ Ball and Mark Murphy and Brian Gutekunst for your stewardship of the organization, every one on the third and fourth floors who make this building run smoothly, and many others who don’t. Tally them to the loading dock, tours, concessions, maintenance, our field crew, etc.
To the fans, thank you, you made every tunnel run special, every home game magical, and it was an honor to be your QB.
To my teammates, I love you all, and am grateful for the moments on and off the field that have brought us closer. I played with legends, I played with friends; Thank you for believing in me and always having my back.
Then he declares: “This is not the end for us, I will see you again Green Bay, you will always have my heart”, and signs the letter “-12”.
Green Bay and New York agreed on Monday a deal that sent Rodgers to the Jets for their second- and sixth-round picks in 2023, and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that would become their first if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the picks this season.
Moreover, the teams traded first round picks this year, with the Jets taking the No. 15 Packers, Green Bay picking up the No. 13 New York, while Rodgers’ freshman squad also got a fifth round pick in this year’s draft.
Rodgers was seen in his last game with the Packers, a 20-16 loss to the Lions on January 8
Standing quarterback with MVP Trophy in 2011 after winning Super Bowl XLV
New York Jets manager Joe Douglas spoke to the media on Tuesday after the teams agreed to a trade
While it’s unclear how long the four-time New York MVP will be — since his current contract has an option for 2024 — Jets GM Joe Douglas was effusive in his praise of the Gang Green’s new quarterback.
“Aaron is one of the best quarterbacks that has ever played this game and for the opportunity to add a player of this caliber you will always look into it,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s a real credit to Robert and his staff, what he’s been able to pull off with everyone here that even a player of Aaron’s caliber would want to come here.
“We’re all excited to add someone of his personality and ability.”
Longtime Packers player David Bakhtiari shared a heartfelt farewell to Rodgers earlier on Tuesday.
