Aaron Rodgers doesn't hold back on Jets' prime-time-heavy schedule

During an appearance on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio, quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed his feelings about the New York Jets' 2024 schedule, which includes the club playing six primetime games between Week 1 and Week 11. 

"I love it," Rodgers said somewhat defiantly, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "We are must-watch TV. And that’s pretty obvious. Everybody knows that. Whether you love me or hate me, people wanna see me play. They enjoy watching me play. And we are a team to watch this year. Not surprising. Six primetime games in the first 11 or 12 weeks. I love it. You know, make it difficult."

The NFL crammed the Jets into prime-time slots last year before Rodgers suffered what became a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. Gang Green never fully recovered from that loss and ultimately finished the campaign at 7-10. 

NFL vice president of broadcast planning Mike North noted last week that individuals within the league feel that the Jets "kind of owe us one" after viewers missed out on watching Rodgers feature for the club in primetime games throughout the fall. He seems unbothered regarding North's take. 

"As far as us owing people, yeah, that’s fine," Rodgers remarked. "Whatever. I don’t care what anybody has to say about that. That’s great. It was s----- for me, it was rough for the league. I get it. Me only playing a few plays last year. That’s gonna be different this year. What happens when we pay them back this year with six great primetime games? What are they gonna say next year?" 

Rodgers is on track to be fully cleared for contact by the time the Jets open the upcoming season with a "Monday Night Football" matchup at the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9. As of Friday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Jets' over/under win total for the 2024 campaign at 9.5. If New York finishes below that mark again, casual fans throughout the country may not have to worry about seeing the club in a handful of primetime games next year.