Brett Favre has offered advice to Aaron Rodgers as the latter contemplates his NFL future. After completing his 20th season, Rodgers is at a crossroads, pondering whether to retire or continue playing. Favre, who himself retired from the Green Bay Packers before making a brief comeback, suggests that if there’s any lingering desire or gut feeling urging Rodgers to play another year, he should do so.
Favre emphasized that retirement is final and once made, there’s no going back. If Rodgers still feels capable of playing at a high level, Favre believes he should seize the opportunity.
Favre’s Own Retirement Experience
Favre, a Hall of Fame quarterback, retired from the NFL following the 2007 season but returned to play three more years with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. He eventually retired for good at 41, citing the physical toll of the game and a desire to focus on family. Favre’s experience provides him with a unique understanding of the challenges athletes face when deciding whether to retire. His decision to retire was influenced by feeling physically worn out and knowing that he had given enough to the game.
Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets, following his long tenure with the Packers, didn’t unfold as expected. After suffering a torn Achilles early in 2023, Rodgers made a comeback in 2024 with high hopes. However, the Jets struggled, finishing the season with a 5-12 record, and failing to make the playoffs. Along with the team’s poor performance, the Jets’ management made significant changes by firing both their head coach and general manager. Despite these setbacks, Rodgers achieved a milestone in the season finale, throwing his 500th career touchdown pass.
Favre Sees Potential in Rodgers’ Play
Despite Rodgers’ challenging season, Favre remains optimistic about his abilities. He pointed to Rodgers’ performance in the Jets’ final game, where he threw four touchdown passes and led his team to a 32-20 victory. This performance reminded Favre of the Rodgers they all know—a quarterback still capable of making all the necessary throws. Favre expressed his surprise that such a vintage performance came so late in the season but reiterated that Rodgers still has plenty of juice left in the tank and could continue playing at a high level.
Favre acknowledges that he hasn’t directly spoken with Rodgers about retirement but believes there are key questions Rodgers must consider. Does he still have the desire to play and the willingness to give his all for another season? Additionally, will a team be willing to take a chance on him? These questions, Favre notes, are crucial in determining whether Rodgers will play another year or walk away from the game. Ultimately, Favre respects that the decision lies with Rodgers, who must weigh his personal and professional priorities moving forward.
