Athletes are natural competitors, and the best of them thrive in challenges, pushing themselves, not just against opponents, but against their limits. Sometimes, that means stepping out of a comfort zone to avoid stagnation. That’s exactly what Aaron Rodgers did when he left Green Bay after 18 seasons to join the New York Jets.
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It was a bold move mirroring Tom Brady’s departure from New England to Tampa Bay. But unlike Brady, Rodgers’ gamble didn’t pay off, and his time in New York ended in disappointment.
Now, Rodgers is in Pittsburgh, hoping to reclaim his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. He’s determined to end his NFL career on a high note in what may be his final season. But Hall of Famer and former Vikings receiver Cris Carter believes the four-time MVP should have stayed in Green Bay.
Carter criticized Rodgers, saying he has followed the same career trajectory as his former teammate Brett Favre by joining the Jets. According to Carter, Rodgers made the move because he had nothing to look forward to outside of football.
While Rodgers has explored interests beyond the game, Carter thinks that it only pulled him away from what he truly excels at. As a result, A-Rod keeps chasing new challenges, one of which led him to New York.
“He should have shut up and stayed in Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers don’t have no family life. Aaron Rodgers has gotten away from football and got on all these other kicks, man,” said Carter.
“The main thing was that he got one of the best arms [of] all time. He did the same mistake that Brett Favre did. Only Favre ended up with the Vikings. But let’s not forget the stint with the Jets. Now, he’s got to go on the road. Now he’s got to go out there. That’s what Aaron Rodgers is at his best. He can do a Brett Favre,” he elaborated.
The Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin are determined to make the most of what could be Rodgers’ final year in the NFL. They’ve already laid out a plan for him heading into training camp and the preseason, balancing immediate goals with an eye on the future.
Tomlin values Rodgers’ work ethic and knows he’s ready to put in the effort. But the team doesn’t want to push him more than necessary.
While age may be a factor, Tomlin made it clear the decision is also about creating opportunities for rookie quarterback Will Howard to get meaningful reps. It will help the youngster showcase what he can bring to the table.
“He’s a workaholic. I don’t have a whole lot of reservations about that. Certainly, I’m going to limit him in some instances, but when I do, it‘s gonna be more about elevating opportunities for guys like Will Howard and less about preserving him,” said Tomlin.
This might just be Aaron’s last dance, and he is hoping to go out on top. Favre took the Vikings to the NFC Championship in his first season. Does the 4-time MVP have it in him to do just the same and more? Time will tell.
