“Nobody Cares About Aaron Rodgers’ Numbers”: Ryan Clark Honestly Reacts to the New York Jets’ Decision on Veteran QB

Aaron Rodgers’ reboot attempt through a darkness retreat in Southern Oregon (in February 2023) hardly made any change in the narrative. With a pretty average 6-12 record with the New York Jets this season, the star quarterback will once again spend his offseason contemplating his future in the NFL. At 41 years of age, the Green Bay legend is now hoping to find one last stop on what has been a hall-of-fame-worthy ride.

Following a lackluster 2024 regular season, one which saw Rodgers essentially bench himself, it’s safe to say that his employment won’t be as easy of a sale the second time around. Not only does he have to contend with his age and recent performance, but his larger-than-life personality could go against him as well.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark shared his thoughts on the future of the controversial signal caller during a recent appearance on ESPN NFL. He suggested that the diva-like persona of Rodgers is a major roadblock.

“You have to know you’re getting a diminished Aaron Rodgers with all the ego, all the arrogance, all the things that came along with being a four-time MVP,” said Clark.

There will not be a lot of demand for the 20-year veteran’s service, felt Clark. He justified this belief by explaining Rodgers can’t play the role of a mentor and leader in a team to build a positive culture correlating with the coach’s vision.

“Nobody cares about Aaron Rodgers’ numbers. Can Aaron Rodgers fit into a building locker room? In a locker room that’s looking to gain a culture, acquire a culture, become a culture. That’s what you have to worry about if you are coach [Brian] Callahan,” elaborated Clark.

“I don’t care if Rodgers can throw footballs or score touchdowns. I care if the young people in that locker room are going to listen to my message that my quarterback, my veteran, is going to communicate that message in the exact same way that I do,” he added.

After throwing 11 interceptions and posting the worst passer rating of his starting career, Rodgers certainly hasn’t done himself any favors in terms of numbers either.

“When he played, when he talked, when he led, none of those things came to fruition,” said Clark.

While it is all but certain that a franchise will make a deal with the former Super Bowl champion, the quality of both the contract and the play of Rodgers remain uncertain. However, many believe that Rodgers still has plenty of games left in him.

Fans react to Clark’s criticisms of Rodgers

Given the on and off-field struggles that the four-time MVP displayed throughout the 2024 regular season, many found themselves agreeing with Clark.

For some, the analyst’s comments were biased. Given that Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and 304 passing yards against Clark’s Steelers, they claimed he was still holding to past.

Assuming that the retirement tour is in order, some suggested potential fits.

In typical fashion, the teams who currently sit atop the NFL Draft order find themselves in need of a quarterback. Additionally, there will be more than a few passers on the move this offseason, so the market for a signal caller should be as healthy as usual.

Everyone from the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers to the Los Angeles Rams could make for potential suitors. He may not possess the same kind of drawing power that he once had, but the name value and veteran experience of Rodgers alone should be enough to secure him one final contract in the NFL.