New York Jets' QB Aaron Rodgers proving '40 is the new 20'

Ralph Ventre

New York Jets' QB Aaron Rodgers proving '40 is the new 20' image

New York Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn't look his age, according to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

"I heard 40 was the new 20. That's kinda how he's presented himself," said Hackett during a recent appearance on the Official Jets Podcast.

It's unlikely anyone at 1 Jets Drive knows the 40-year-old quarterback better than Hackett, who spent three seasons as Rodgers's offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers has publicly recognized Hackett's role in convincing him to join the Jets.

"He's young and spry, fired up. I think he's really enjoying himself," said Hackett.

Despite missing mandatory June minicamp, Rodgers was present for voluntary OTAs and practiced with no physical restrictions. All signs point to a triumphant return to game action after suffering an Achilles rupture in the 2023 season opener.

Rodgers, who has thrown 475 career touchdown passes, is expected to instantly improve one of the NFL least-effective offenses.

RELATED: Rodgers trails former teammate in NFL MVP odds

"We're doing as much as we can to try to stimulate him because there's certain plays that he's done so many times. You want to try to find ways to spice it up for him, whether it's with different players or different looks or different personnels, different formations. I think he's really enjoyed it," said Hackett.

In three seasons with Hackett as Packers' OC, Rodgers accounted for 111 TD passes and only 13 interceptions.

 

Ralph Ventre

Ralph Ventre Photo

Ralph Ventre, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Ventre remains an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, and he also covers the Buffalo Bills on SI. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.