Michael Owens//Keynote USA/Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers said he chose to continue his career as an NFL player rather than become Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate in the US presidential race.
Keynote USA—
Aaron Rodgers said Tuesday that he chose to continue his career as an NFL player rather than become Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate in the U.S. presidential race.
Keynote USA previously reported that Kennedy had met with Rodgers about the possibility of joining Kennedy’s campaign. Kennedy ultimately named Silicon Valley lawyer and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential pick.
“There were really two options. Retire and be his vice president or keep playing. I wanted to keep playing,” Rodgers, 40, told reporters as the New York Jets quarterback spoke for the first time about the possible choice he had to make when it came to trading the pigskin for the podium.
Keynote USA has reached out to the Kennedy campaign for comment.
Thomas Robinson//Keynote USA/Getty Images
Independent presidential candidate Kennedy speaks during a campaign event where he announced Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential pick on March 26, 2024.
Rodgers is entering his second season with the Jets after missing almost all of his first season in New York after rupturing his left Achilles tendon just four plays into his debut.
Although he returned to the practice field toward the end of last season, Rodgers never returned to NFL action in the 2024 season.
The Jets have begun their offseason program, beginning with organized team practice activities (OTAs) in which Rodgers has fully participated.
“It’s just the mental part,” Rodgers said as he accelerates his return from injury four months before the new season.
“These practices have been nice the last few days. Feel what it’s like to be out there, move, not think about it, and see how I respond the next day. This is the last part,” she added.
“The strength is good, the movement is good, just the confidence to do it all.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that Rodgers has no restrictions during practice sessions, and the four-time MVP says he feels like he “can do anything” right now.
“I can run at maximum speed. It’s just that, in those moments, the reactions come naturally.”
After Rodgers’ injury in the 2023 season opener, the Jets endured a disappointing season as a result of turbulent quarterback play and disappointing offensive performances.
But with Rodgers back in the lineup, expectations are high heading into the new season.
“Well, I think if I don’t do what I’m capable of doing, we’ll probably all get out of here (next season),” Rodgers said. “I like that kind of pressure, though.
“I know it is a difficult market to play in; It’s not for everyone. Enjoy that opportunity. That’s the NFL.
“As you grow in the league, if you don’t perform, they’re going to get rid of you or bring in the next guy to take over. It happened in Green Bay and I’m a few years older than I was back then. I hope to play at a high level, I hope we are productive and competitive, and that all of that takes care of itself.”
The Jets open the 2024 season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, the defending NFC champions, on Monday Night Football on September 9.
Keynote USA’s Aaron Pellish contributed to this report.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow @Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.