New York Jets fans are bracing for significant changes within the organization as early as next month.
After the Jets fell to 4-11 with a 19-9 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared to send a clear message to his teammates about expectations for the remainder of a disappointing season.
“It’s about perspective, and your perspective forms your truth, and your truth makes your reality. The reality of the situation is what it is,” Rodgers said, as shared by Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News. “Your perspective is something you can change every single day. What you’re focusing on every single day is the most important thing now. It’s not to change the reality of the situation—4-11 and out of the playoffs heading into an uncertain offseason—but we have to figure out what it means to be a professional. I think that’s an important part of building culture.”
Jets’ Culture Issues Under Scrutiny
Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson are among the prominent Jets players who have publicly discussed the franchise’s longstanding “curse” and “losing problem,” which has now extended the NFL’s longest active playoff drought to 14 consecutive seasons.
Uncertainty surrounds Rodgers’ future with the team. He has no guarantees about whether owner Woody Johnson or a potentially new regime will want him back next season. Meanwhile, Garrett Wilson is eligible to negotiate his first contract extension this offseason but could reportedly request a trade before the 2025 NFL Draft.
As the Jets face the 12-3 Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium this Sunday, their focus will be more on pride than playoff aspirations. DraftKings Sportsbook has already listed New York as a 9.5-point underdog for the road game.
Rodgers Reflects on Team Dynamics
“The last two weeks, you can really see who’s on board moving forward and who’s ready to get out. It’s just part of the game,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been on a couple of teams where we were out of it, and it’s interesting to watch the practice habits and operational habits. The next couple of weeks will lead to interesting conversations, but we should focus on the relationships we have with each other and finish this thing out like professionals.”
Ultimately, Rodgers’ fate with the team may rest with a new general manager and head coach, unless he chooses to retire at 41. His recent comments suggest he’s committed to addressing the Jets’ cultural issues and encouraging teammates to maintain their professionalism through the final weeks of the season, regardless of what lies ahead.
