Aaron Rodgers calls his time in Green Bay 'beautiful' but feels 'energized' being with the New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers said last week that the Green Bay Packers will always have his heart as he departed from the franchise after 18 years for New York. But now a member of the Jets, the 39-year-old quarterback is sure loving life these days with his new team and city.
In fact, it appears he hasn't stopped smiling since.
The former Packers quarterback has been practicing with the Jets already in their offseason program, bonding with his teammates and integrating himself into the city by attending New York Rangers and Knicks playoff games while mingling with celebrities. Oh, and he'll be back at Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Knicks' playoff series against the Miami Heat with Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who famously burned a cheesehead in an attempt to recruit Rodgers to New York.
"I’m just pinching myself a lot of days," Rodgers said Tuesday on "The Pat McAfee Show," the first time he's appeared on the show since he announced his intention to play for the Jets in mid-March. "I can’t believe it’s real sometimes. It’s been a dream, for sure, just to be here. Definitely feel energized to be in the building."
Rodgers penned a heartfelt farewell to the Packers and their fans last week. On Tuesday, he reinforced that whatever happens in the future it won't wipe away nearly two decades of memories.
"That takes nothing away from the 18 beautiful years I spent in Green Bay," Rodgers said. "How can you ask for anything better than that? Such a special place to play."
And Rodgers said there is "beauty" for being in the same place for so long.
Rodgers acknowledged it's "weird" learning new routines, though one thing that won't change is his cadence at the line of scrimmage, he said.
"Change can be great. It’s difficult for sure," Rodgers said. "There’s some weird, bittersweet moments. Driving into 1 Jets Drive (address of Atlantic Health Jets Training Center) a little different than driving into 1265 Lombardi (address of Lambeau Field) every day. But I’m enjoying it. And just really happy to be here."
Rodgers said that being the new player at the facility "it’s like the first day of school every single day."
"Everything’s new and exciting and fun," he added.
Rodgers has had this fun celebrating a Rangers win with Allen Lazard and Breece Hall at MSG, chatted with Spike Lee from his courtside seat at the Knicks game, while rapper Jack Harlow was two seats away.
"Going to the Knicks game the other night I met Spike Lee, Martha Stewart and Patrick Ewing," said Rodgers, who has a minority ownership stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. "I’m sitting next to Jack Harlow. So much fun. Just having a ball."
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Aaron Rodgers at Knicks game again, says it's a dream being with Jets
