The New York Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers fittingly open their home schedule in primetime against a division rival.
When the Jets host the New England Patriots on September 19, it'll be the first time that the 40-year-old Rodgers takes the field at MetLife Stadium since the 2023 season opener when he lasted only four offensive snaps. Fully recovered from the torn Achilles he suffered 12 months ago, the four-time NFL MVP is ready to play in front of the Green & White faithful following back-to-back road games to start the season.
"It's been a long time since I took the field at JetLife, so there will be a lot of emotions for sure, but we're thankfully into our third game of the season. Played two full games," said Rodgers, who appears to have shaken off most of the rust.
Although Thursday night games hit a little differently than Sunday or Monday primetime battles, Rodgers sounded prepared for the challenge, which is one that he's mastered on multiple prior occasions.
"Body feels good, about as good as it can on a short week, but it'll be fun to be out there with the crowd," said Rodgers. "I love night games, so, excited about it."
Rodgers will quarterback an NFL team on a Thursday for the 17th time in his career, matching the record set by Tom Brady. He has thrown 37 touchdown passes while posting a 105.7 quarterback rating over the first 16 starts although Thursday games aren't necessarily his favorite forum.
"No one's real crazy about Thursday games, but everybody loves the weekend after the Thursday games," said Rodgers.
After navigating a three-game gauntlet over the first 11 days of the season, the Jets will get a 10-day breather before playing again on September 29.
"Testing the body for sure, but we love to play, so shorter time between games is great. It's definitely tough on the body," said Rodgers. "Easier for a guy who's 20 than a guy who's 40, but I'll be ready to go Thursday night and look forward to three days off."
Thursday Night Football kicks off at 8:15 pm ET on Amazon Prime.
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