Jets fans should hope Aaron Rodgers' COVID-19 admission is a sign of growth, maturity

According to an ESPN report, Rodgers told O'Connor: "If there's one thing I wish could have gone different, it's that, because that's the only thing [critics] could hit me with," adding that the "immunized" comment represented "the crux of (his) appeal."

During an August 2021 news conference, Rodgers was asked if he was vaccinated against COVID-19. He answered in the affirmative and said that he was "immunized."

It was then learned in November 2021, however, after he tested positive for the virus that Rodgers wasn't fully vaccinated. As an unvaccinated player, Rodgers was sidelined for a minimum of 10 days.

Of course, controversy has remained with the Green Bay Packers legend over the last three years.

In 2024 alone, Rodgers floated a potential run as independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s running mate and later missed New York's two-day mandatory minicamp for a "pre-planned trip to Egypt."

If Rodgers can stay healthy and at least limit the off-the-field distractions this coming season, the Jets should have a good shot at ending their 13-year playoff drought, which is the longest postseason drought among all teams in North America's four major sports. They last won a division title during the 2002 season, made their only Super Bowl in the 1968 campaign and have only won 12 games in a season once (1998).

New York's defense includes Pro Bowlers Jermaine Johnson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, as well as All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams and All-Pro cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, giving New York arguably the best unit on paper. That doesn't even include Pro Bowl linebacker Haason Reddick, who is still holding out for a contract extension.

Under center, Rodgers has recovered from his season-ending torn Achilles that he suffered just four snaps into Week 1 last season. The Jets signed eight-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith in March to help protect Rodgers while also signing former Los Angeles Chargers star wideout Mike Williams.

New York also has two of the best at their position in running back Breece Hall and wideout Garrett Wilson, both of whom likely haven't yet reached their primes.