Aaron Rodgers ‘believes’ he can win a Super Bowl with the Jets as he speaks for the first time in NY

Aaron Rodgers has revealed his belief in the Jets’ Super Bowl chances were a primary factor in his desire to play for the franchise.

Rodgers spoke to a litany of reporters Wednesday afternoon from inside the auditorium at the team’s Florham Park facility just minutes after his trade from Green Bay Packers was ratified.

‘I’m an old guy. So I want to be part of a team that can win it all. I believe this is a place we can get it done,’ Rodgers said of the Jets’ Super Bowl chances.

‘I noticed, walking in this morning that Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely… I really believe this is where I’m meant to be.’

Rodgers said it was a ‘surreal day’ and he ‘believes in this team’, coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. 

The New York Jets will soon acquire future Hall of Famer, 39-year-old, 4x MVP, Aaron Rodgers

The Jets’ next hope displayed his new jersey in front of a mass of reporters at the NYJ facility

The 39-year-old made a point to state ‘a big reason’ he was in New Jersey was Nathaniel Hackett, New York’s new offensive coordinator. Rodgers represents the Jets’ best hope of reaching the playoffs since 2010 and admitted he is excited to play for the ‘incredible, passionate’ Gang Green fanbase. 

While he had the opportunity to continue wearing the No. 12 jersey after receiving Joe Namath’s blessing, Rodgers wanted to pay his respects to the only QB to bring the franchise a Super Bowl title. Instead, Rodgers will put on No. 8 — the number he made famous at the University of California.

‘To me, 12 is Broadway Joe. I didn’t want to even go down that path. I’m excited about going back to my college number, but there’s something special about playing in this city, for a team like this. 

‘To be a part of something special would definitely help you go down in the history of the organization. [I] already have 18 years in an incredibly iconic organization and it’d be fun to be a part of the history of this one as well.’

News broke Monday evening that New York and Green Bay had finally agreed upon a trade for the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer. The trade, which become official Wednesday afternoon, sees the Jets receive not only Rodgers, but the Packers’ No. 15 pick and a fifth-rounder in Thursday’s NFL Draft.

In exchange, Green Bay acquired the Jets’ 13th overall draft choice, plus its second and sixth-rounder, along with a conditional 2024 second-round pick, which will become a first if Rodgers plays 65 percent of snaps this season. 

When asked as to how long he will be the Jets’ quarterback, Rodgers admitted his attention is firmly on this season. 

‘I’m going to be here for the foreseeable future…Right now, I’m just going to focus on this season and I’m excited about being here,’ he said.

Rodgers mentioned the influences of Joe Douglas & Robert Saleh were critical to the move

Woody Johnson said it was a ‘happy day’ to be the owner, but also for the hungry Jets fanbase

Green Bay posted a lengthy tribute to their former star quarterback, who delivered a Super Bowl title in just his third season in the post-Favre era.

‘Aaron had an incredible career with the Packers,’ said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. ‘During a team-record 18-year career, he brought great joy to our fans through a Super Bowl championship, countless thrilling victories and breathtaking quarterback plays.

‘He made playing quarterback look easy. As great a player as he is, what stands out most for me is his toughness – his willingness to play through pain. He will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

‘We were proud to have had him as the leader of our team through his impact on the field, in the locker room and in the community.

‘We wish Aaron well in New York and look forward to welcoming him back to Green Bay to retire his No. 12, celebrate his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and unveil his name on the Lambeau Field facade.’

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst added: We are eternally grateful for all that Aaron gave the Packers the last 18 years.

‘While he undoubtedly will be remembered as one of the best players in our franchise’s storied history for all his accomplishments on the field, it is his competitive greatness, leadership and toughness that make him such a special player and person.

‘The daily expectations he placed on himself and his teammates were instrumental in all that we accomplished during a special era of Packers football.

‘We wish Aaron nothing but success and look forward to welcoming him back to Green Bay in the future and celebrating his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.’

Rodgers has waved goodbye to Green Bay as he heads to the Big Apple to finish his HOF career

Rodgers has followed the path laid out by Brett Favre (L) who played for Green Bay and NYJ

Jets general manager Joe Douglas explained Tuesday he was ‘comfortable’ with what he had given up in order to reunite the franchise with a quarterback of historic proportions — not seen since the acquisition of Rodgers’ predecessor Brett Favre. 

In an eerily similar version of events, the Packers traded a 39-year-old Favre to the Jets in 2008. Rodgers spoke to that at Wednesday’s conference. 

‘It is kind very ironic that our path have taken another step in the same direction,’ he said. ‘We haven’t talked specifically about this opportunity.’

Try as its oh-so-loyal fans might, not even those who bleed green can convince themselves these are those same old Jets. There may be little need Ayahuasca to dream because they now have Aaron Charles Rodgers.