(CNN) Aaron Rodgers, four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion, was introduced Wednesday as the New York Jets’ newest signalman.
“It’s a surreal day for me after spending 18 years in the same city,” the Jets quarterback told reporters. “I’m here because I believe in this team. I believe in (head coach Robert Saleh). I believe in the leadership of (Jets general manager Joe Douglas).
“Obviously he’s drafted really well the last two years. Obviously a big thank you to the Green Bay Packers organization for an amazing run. That chapter is now over and I’m excited for the next adventure here in New York. “
He added: “I’m an old man so I want to be part of a team that can win everything and I think this is a place where we can achieve that.”
Rodgers said he noticed upon entering the Jets facility on Wednesday morning that the Jets’ only Super Bowl trophy “looked a little lonely.”
The Green Bay Packers traded their longtime quarterback to the Jets with the 15th overall pick and the Packers’ fifth-round pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft.
New York Jets team president Hymie Elhai, team owner Christopher Johnson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, team owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh pose during the introductory press conference.
The Packers will receive the Jets’ 13th overall selection, one of the Jets’ second-round picks, a sixth-round pick and their 2024 first-round pick if Rodgers plays at least 65% of the Jets’ offensive plays this coming season . , reported Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Rodgers joked he knew the Jets would be the next team he would play for after the Jets “smoke” the Packers last season.
Rodgers has spoken about his intentions to play for the Jets beyond the 2023 season.
“For now, I’m just going to focus on this season,” he said. “I’m excited to be here, expect to be here for the duration of the offseason.”
Rodgers went on to say, “I’m going to be here for the foreseeable future.”
After the press conference, Rodgers showed off his new green and white No.8 shirt.
The 39-year-old said he heard Jets legend, Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath mention that he would be fine if the Jets didn’t retire the iconic No. 12 Namath jersey for Rodgers, but the new quarterback- Jets fullback said, “To me, 12 is Broadway Joe.”
Rodgers spent his entire 18-season career with Green Bay, leading the team to a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV in 2011.
The Jets finished with a 7-10 record last season, missing the playoffs for the 12th straight year.