As someone well-versed with second acts in New York, Brett Favre believes Aaron Rodgers will thrive with the Jets.
Speaking to ESPN after Rodgers was traded to the Jets from the Packers on Monday in a blockbuster move, Favre — who followed that same path years prior — proclaimed the four-time league MVP “will do great” on Broadway.
“He will handle the transition as well as anyone. [He’s a] very smart and instinctive person, on and off the field. In other words, you’re not going to catch him by surprise very often,” the 53-year-old Favre told the Worldwide Leader.
“And I think [he’s] the best at making everyone around him better. I would rather not bet at all than bet against him.”
Rodgers spent the first 18 years of his career in Green Bay, where he served as Favre’s backup for three seasons.
Although Favre announced his retirement in early 2008, paving the way for Rodgers to become the Packers’ starter, he back-tracked on that decision and was traded to the Jets later that year.
He played for one season in New York before joining the Vikings in 2009.
Favre spent the final two seasons of his career in Minnesota.
Rodgers was asked Wednesday during his introductory press conference for the Jets about following in Favre’s footsteps.
Aaron Rodgers traded to the Jets
On Monday, after months of speculation and rumors, the Jets and Packers came to an agreement on a trade that brings four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to New York.
The trade immediately upgrades the Jets from rising team to playoff contender with the hopes that Rodgers will help break one of the longest active postseason droughts in sports.
The trade
The Jets receive: Aaron Rodgers, No. 15 pick (2023) and No. 170 pick (2023).
The Packers receive: No. 13 pick (2023), No. 42 pick (2023), No. 207 pick (2023) and a conditional second-round 2024 draft pick that conveys to a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of the Jets’ plays in 2023.
What comes next
The trade still needs to be finalized — the terms of Rodgers’ contract need to be worked out — and sent to the NFL.
Both teams will begin feeling this deal as early as Thursday at the 2023 NFL Draft.
For the Packers, it’s now about getting fourth-year QB Jordan Love ready to take over. With Gang Green, it’s about getting a whole host of new faces on the same page offensively.
“It is very ironic that our paths have taken another step in the same direction. Brett and I over the years have talked about this transition and what it was like. But that was a different coaching staff, different GM, different circumstances. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with these guys, my new teammates, and coaching staff,” he said.
Rodgers had been linked to the Jets for much of the offseason, stating his intentions to play for the team in March during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
In the weeks following that appearance, the Jets and Packers finally hammered out a deal to send the quarterback to New York.
Rodgers arrived in New Jersey on Tuesday evening and was seen wearing Jets gear the following morning.
Prior to Wednesday’s press conference, Rodgers penned a heartfelt tribute to the Packers on Instagram.
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“I grew up in Green Bay, drafted at 21, fell in love with the game, met some lifelong friends, and take with me memories that will last a lifetime,” he wrote.
“This is not the end for us, I will see you again Green Bay, you’ll always have my heart.”
