Aaron Rodgers recently expressed his thoughts on playing against the New England Patriots, noting that it feels "a little weird."
This sentiment stems from the significant changes in both teams since he last faced them. Rodgers, who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers, is now with the New York Jets and is set to play in a rivalry that has historically favored the Patriots.
He mentioned that it feels unusual to compete against head coaches like Jerod Mayo, who are younger than him, and to be on the field with teammates who could be his children.
This generational gap serves as a reminder of his longevity in the NFL, especially as he enters his 20th season at age 40.
Despite the rivalry's storied past, Rodgers emphasized that he does not aim to deepen its narrative but rather focuses on securing a win for the Jets.
Rodgers also reflected on the evolution of the rivalry, noting that it has diminished in intensity over recent years, particularly following Tom Brady's departure from New England and Bill Belichick's changing role within the organization.
He stated, "I think you need more than a couple of games to make a mark on a rivalry," indicating that while he is excited about participating in this matchup, he does not view it as a definitive moment for either team.