Peyton Manning addresses Aaron Rodgers joining Jets

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Jun 2, 2023 2:45 PM ET

Add Peyton Manning to the list of noteworthy members of the NFL community excited to see quarterback Aaron Rodgers play for the New York Jets this season.

"I like Aaron Rodgers to the Jets," Manning told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith during an alternate broadcast of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, as shared by Reice Shipley of The Comeback. "He’s excited. I like the fact that he knows the system...He’s going to be able to play fast...I saw him recently at the Kentucky Derby. I can tell he feels rejuvenated. I like the Jets this year."

Manning mentioned the relationship between Rodgers and new Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Hackett served as Rodgers' coordinator with the Green Bay Packers from 2019 through the 2021 season, and the 39-year-old signal-caller earned Most Valuable Player honors for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns.

Manning and Rodgers have plenty in common beyond the fact that the latter will eventually join the former as a quarterback enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While Manning played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 through the 2011 season before he joined the Denver Broncos, Rodgers was with the Packers from 2005 through this past NFL campaign.

Unlike Tom Brady, who guided the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title in his first season with the organization after he left the New England Patriots, Manning didn't earn a championship ring with the Broncos until his fourth and final year with the club. There is currently no guarantee Rodgers will continue playing for the Jets or any team beyond the upcoming season, so Gang Green fans are hoping he follows in Brady's footsteps.

As for Brady, he also believes Rodgers' familiarity with Hackett will help the four-time MVP make a smooth transition while getting used to playing in what can become a vicious sports media market for any newcomer.

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