The Aaron Rodgers effect has become so powerful that even a player who has been retired — and previously outspoken against Rodgers’ path to the Jets — wants to join for 2023.
That’s according to former Jets wideout Brandon Marshall, who said — perhaps somewhat jokingly — on an episode of his “I Am Athlete” podcast last week that he’d come out of retirement and play tight end for Gang Green.
“Here’s why I’ll be ready if I get the call to come back as a New York Jet at tight end,” Marshall said during the segment. “It’s because we’re gonna win the Super Bowl and I’m gonna help participate. I’m gonna be able to contribute at a high level, and this is what I’m gonna give you: 45 catches throughout the year, 20-30 plays a game and I’m gonna give you eight touchdowns.”
Marshall didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d like to play with Rodgers, and he even got up from his chair to put on an old No. 15 Jets jersey.
When asked if No. 15 was available, Marshall responded, “It will be.”
Backup quarterback Chris Streveler might think otherwise.
Marshall also said he’d come in and instantly win the Jets’ starting tight end role.
Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah might not agree with that, either.
Marshall’s hypothetical scenario would be unlikely to materialize, especially since the six-time Pro Bowler acknowledged taking hit after hit would be difficult — “it’s hard for me to even watch at times,” he said — compared to earlier in his career.
But the fact he wants to play alongside Rodgers with Gang Green marks a sharp pivot from his comments in Phoenix during the days leading up to Super Bowl 57.
“Aaron Rodgers is the best thrower of the football our game has ever seen,” Marshall said in February. “This is our opportunity to really get it right and be in position to be contending next year. So, you can go Aaron Rodgers and feel like you’ll get there, right? But what’s going to happen after next year?
“I feel like a Derek Carr, even a Jimmy [Garoppolo], with that defense, with Elijah Moore used the right way and then Garrett [Wilson], we’re set up for the next five-to-seven years.”
Moore has since been traded to the Browns, and Marshall later did an interview with Rodgers at a flag football charity event in March to ask when a decision for the 2023 season could be expected.
It won’t be long,” Rodgers said on March 12.
Four days later, Rodgers announced his intention to play for Marshall’s former team on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
And now, it appears that if Marshall were to kickstart his football career again, he’d like it to happen on a team with a signal-caller such as Rodgers.
“Tight end, though,” Marshall said. “I can’t move how I used to move. Well, I think I can move how I used to move, but not as many times.”
