Aaron Rodgers’ playing future remains undecided, with the New York Jets quarterback focused on the lingering wildfires near his home in Southern California.
Rodgers said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday that his house in the Malibu area is OK other than having dealt with a lack of power for several days. But he said many friends, including actor Miles Teller, have lost property during one of the most destructive natural disasters in the region.
The 41-year-old Chico native completed his 20th NFL season in the Jets’ win over Miami on Jan. 5. He had exit meetings the next day with owner Woody Johnson, vice chairman Christopher Johnson, team president Hymie Elhai and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, and then flew home Tuesday to Southern California, where “the whole sky was dark.”
“I got to the house and the wind’s going absolutely nuts,” he recalled. “The gate was flying off the handles, and no power.”
Rodgers said before leaving, he had “a lot of nice conversations” with the team, which is currently interviewing candidates for its general manager and head coach vacancies. Rodgers has said he would consider after the season if he wants to continue playing and would also have to see if the Jets’ new regime wants him to be part of the team moving forward if he does intend to return for a 21st season.
Rodgers said he has been in “limited communication” with the Jets’ brass because of the wildfires, but reiterated he isn’t close to making a decision on his playing future.
“I told them I’m going to take some time,” he said. “They haven’t even made a decision on a GM or a coach yet. Once that happens, then that’ll take us to the next step, which will be a conversation, I’m assuming with whoever that individual is. But this is a time when I’m taking time for my body and my mind to clear things.
“Obviously it’s different because all that’s going on in LA. And again, there’s been incredible, incredible work done by all the firefighters out here. Things are actually looking up, which is great.”