On Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers will hold an introductory news conference with the New York Jets. Tuesday evening, he said farewell to the Green Bay Packers in an Instagram post.
What began with numerous thank-you notes — to the late Ted Thompson for drafting him, to his numerous coaches, colleagues, and behind-the-scenes staffers with the Packers, as well as to the fans — concluded with a message that looked forward.
“This is not the end for us,” wrote Rodgers. “Green Bay will always hold a special place in my heart; we will meet again.”
Rodgers’ number 12 will be retired and his name will be put on Lambeau Field’s exterior after his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, according to the Packers.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Aaron, not only as a person but also as a player,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday shortly after the trade was finalized. There is a great deal of appreciation for what he has done for this organization.
Gutekunst stated he wished he could have spoken with Rodgers before making the transfer, but that was not possible. The last time they spoke was in January, shortly after the end of the season. Gutekunst recently stated that Rodgers did not respond to persistent attempts to contact him.
Gutekunst stated, “He will always be a Packers.” “He will be among the finest who have ever done it in this area. I have a great deal of reverence for his approach, and he will be greatly missed.
No argument can be made against this.
Players of his caliber are uncommon, but we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and are thrilled about where we’re headed and what we’re doing. Again, this must be finalized before the rest of this can be completed. Simply a great deal of admiration for him.”
In addition to Gutekunst, Rodgers thanked former team president Bob Harlan, current team president Mark Murphy, and team vice president Russ Ball “for your stewardship of the organization.”
Before leaving, Rodgers told fans, “It was an honor to serve as your quarterback.