Quarterback Aaron Rodgers wrote a thoughtful goodbye to the Green Bay Packers after being traded to the New York Jets on Monday.
“I’m not sure it’s possible to fully express the gratitude that I have to the Packers, our incredible fans, the state of Wisconsin, the thousands of players that I crossed paths with, the incredible men and women who work for the organization, and the amazing people who I got to meet along the way in one post with 10 pictures, but I hope you read this and feel my heart and soul, filled with love, joy, and peace about my time in green and gold,” Rodgers wrote on Instagram.
The 10-time Pro Bowler thanked fans, former teammates, and several members of Green Bay’s front office from his tenure.
“This is not the end for us, I will see you again Green Bay, you’ll always have my heart,” he added.
New York acquired the four-time MVP in a deal that included an exchange of first-round picks and the Jets sending over a conditional 2024 second-rounder that could turn into a first-round selection if Rodgers plays 65% of the team’s snaps next season.
Rodgers led the Packers to 11 playoff appearances and the Super Bowl XLV title during his 18 seasons with the franchise.
The future Hall of Famer announced his intention to play for the Jets in 2023, which led to a long negotiating period between the AFC club and the Packers. Rodgers said that the team’s stance changed during the offseason, as he initially believed they would welcome him back. Following a brief retreat, he got the sense that the team no longer wished for him to return.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said that the team tried to reach out to the star signal-caller but was unable to get in contact with him, insisting that Rodgers did not respond after many attempts by the Packers to contact him.
Rodgers will start anew in New York next season. He’s expected to be formally introduced at a news conference on Wednesday, the team announced.
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