The Jets, at this point, reportedly don’t expect Aaron Rodgers to become Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate for the upcoming presidential election.
Pro Football Talk reported Saturday that the Jets don’t “believe Rodgers will do it,” though the outlet added that the 40-year-old quarterback hasn’t informed the team of a decision yet and has been “off the grid” throughout the week.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that Rogers and former Minnesota governor — and WWE star— Jesse Ventura were two of the top candidates Kennedy had considered, with his date to announce a running mate set for March 26 in Oakland, Calif.
That prompted various reactions, including Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner — “that’s why he ain’t been answering my text messages,” he wrote on X — and WFAN’s Shaun Morash, who called it the “most Jets story of all time.”
It surfaced while Rodgers was in Costa Rica attending an ayahuasca retreat, according to “The Pat McAfee Show,” and was followed by a CNN report that alleged Rodgers, in private conversations, had spread distasteful claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 was fake.
Rodgers denied that allegation Thursday in a post on X.
“As I’m on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy,” Rodgers wrote in his post. “I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place.
“Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community.”
Everything added a new wrinkle to the Jets’ offseason, especially when considering the logistical hurdles and scheduling conflicts Rodgers would need to navigate during the season if he campaigned with Kennedy.
Still, while Rodgers remains with the Jets as their starting quarterback, their Super Bowl window — and win-now approach — will stay open, and this offseason, they’re already traded for offensive lineman Morgan Moses and former All-Pro offensive lineman Tyron Smith, along with backup signal-caller Tyrod Taylor and others, to revamp the roster that finished with a disappointing 7-10 record in 2023.
Rodgers only logged four offensive snaps before tearing his Achilles in the opener.
He embarked on an expedited rehab that allowed him to practice — with the possibility of even playing, until the Jets were eliminated — before the end of the year, injecting some intrigue into a campaign that otherwise ended, again, without a postseason berth.