After New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ season was cut short after just a few plays, the organization has made a concerted effort to protect one of the best arm talents the league has ever seen.
Despite these efforts, Rodgers is flirting with the idea of being Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. According to the New York Times, Rodgers is on the shortlist to try and be Kennedy Jr.’s vice president along with former governor of Minnesota and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura.
The New York Jets revamped their offensive line to protect Aaron Rodgers
Since the free agency tampering window opened on Monday, the New York Jets have made several moves in an attempt to better protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
They began by agreeing to terms with veteran guard John Simpson. Simpson started all 19 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and helped support the NFL’s most efficient rushing attack. According to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Jets are set to sign Simpson to a two-year deal worth up to $18 million.
New York then proceeded to nab another offensive lineman from the Ravens, right tackle Morgan Moses. The Jets gave the Ravens a fourth-round pick (No. 112) and a sixth-round pick (No. 218) for Moses and a later fourth-round pick (No. 134).
Finally, in what was the biggest move for the Jets this offseason, they agreed to terms with former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro and Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith. Smith has had issues staying healthy, but he is one of the top blindside protectors in the league when he is.
The Jets now have a much different look on the offensive line after that position group was blamed for the early season-ending injury suffered by Rodgers.
The #Jets’ new-look offensive line:
LT Tyron Smith
LG John Simpson
C Joe Tippmann
RG Alijah Vera-Tucker
RT Morgan Moses pic.twitter.com/IoYNZsNCYy— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2024
In the NFL – Aaron Rodgers out for the day after suffering an “ankle” injury. Video brings concern for achilles tear/rupture with visible “pop” through the calf while pushing off under load. If confirmed would require surgery & 6-9 months recovery time #BUFvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/tVa7gT8mne
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 12, 2023
Can Aaron Rodgers run for office and play QB for the New York Jets at the same time?
The timeline for playing quarterback for an NFL team like the New York Jets and running for vice president do not mesh well.
The presidential election takes place in November, which is a crucial time for NFL quarterbacks trying to make a run at the postseason. Campaign activities begin to ramp up in June and July, which is crucial preparation time, especially for someone coming off an injury from which it is extremely difficult to recover.
Rodgers hasn’t played a live snap of football since the first game of the 2023 season. Should Rodgers accept the challenge, he would be trying to recover from an Achilles tear and quickly readjust to the speed of NFL football while running for one of the highest offices in the world, much less the country.
In an article from The Athletic, Rodgers explained that he embraces controversy and doubt. Two things that would not be hard to find should he accept Kennedy Jr.’s offer.
“I think what I’d like to say is, give me the doubts,” Rodgers said in September about the recovery timetable for his Achilles injury. “Give me the timetables. Give me all the things that you think can, should or will happen, because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That’s all I need.
“Give me your doubts, give me your prognostications, and then watch what I do.”
Rodgers, who made an appearance on Kennedy Jr.’s social media in late February, has not denied his potential involvement.
Hiking with @AaronRodgers12 and his amazing Achilles ⛰️ pic.twitter.com/zBbJWUdOS7
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 21, 2024
If there’s a quarterback that can succeed individually with a myriad of distractions, it is Rodgers. He has been the center of controversy since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, yet he still outperformed the vast majority of the league.
Now, Rodgers is a bit older, coming off an injury that has killed many careers and would be facing a distraction the likes of which he has never seen.
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