Jets’ C.J. Mosley Defends Aaron Rodgers amid Rumored Exit: He Did Some Great Things

With Aaron Rodgers’ tenure on the New York Jets reportedly coming to a close, linebacker C.J. Mosley reflected on the quarterback’s time with the team.

“We tried to do something special,” Mosley said on Fox 5 New York (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk). “Injuries took part in that, took away a lot of time. He did do some great things this year, getting his 500th touchdown. He was a leader no matter what when he came into the locker room, when he was with us this year. Nothing but respect for him to come back from the Achilles, 40-plus years old.”

“I know the wins and losses can get in the way of a lot of things that you can accomplish, but there’s no reason for him to leave New York with his head down ’cause I know he gave us his all,” he added.

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Sunday that Rodgers flew to New Jersey to meet with the Jets and was told that they were moving on from him. Glazer noted that “all signs” point towards the veteran quarterback playing in 2025, but it won’t be for the same team that he spent the 2024 season with.

Expectations were high when New York acquired the four-time MVP in a 2023 trade with the Green Bay Packers, but his first season following the change of scenery ended abruptly.

Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles on the opening drive of the regular season, immediately putting an end to his 2023 campaign.

He recovered in time for the start of the 2024 season, suiting up in all 17 games. New York struggled though, finishing with a record of just 5-12 and missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.

Rodgers put together an efficient year, even if he didn’t look as sharp in the pocket compared to his days in Green Bay. He completed 63 percent of his throws for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

The 41-year-old reached 500 career touchdown passes in Week 18, becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history to do so.

While the pairing between Rodgers and the Jets ultimately didn’t work out, Mosley looked back on the signal-caller’s time with the organization fondly.