Aaron Rodgers will play for the New York Jets next season. That has now been finalized. The Jets are sending a clear signal: they want to make it to the Super Bowl. But for that to happen, Aaron Rodgers must be fully committed to the project. There can be no coasting in his career. One comment.

Sportswriters around the world will finally breathe a sigh of relief: the trade of Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets is through.

The Packers are paying dearly for it. If Rodgers is a regular, which no one has any doubt about, the Jets will pay a first round pick in 2024, in addition to a second round pick this year.

The message is clear: The Jets want to attack – “Super Bowl or Bust!” But for New York to have even the slightest chance at the Vince Lombardi Trophy, their new quarterback must be on fire for the new job. Significantly more than he did in years past.

A name doesn’t win a Super Bowl, commitment and training do

Aaron Rodgers isn’t exactly known for doing significantly more off the field than absolutely necessary. The 39-year-old was rarely seen at voluntary workouts for the Packers.

But that’s exactly what it will take to succeed in East Rutherford in the short term. For the first Organized Team Activities, or OTAs, Rodgers will have to make an imperative appearance.

Not only to get to know his new teammates and receivers and the playbook, but also to send a message to the Jets’ fan base: “I’m here to win a Super Bowl and I’ll do anything to do it!” That has to be the message. As soon as Rodgers is already conspicuous by his absence in the summer, the project is already doomed to failure.

Tom Brady as role model

Tom Brady, the undisputed greatest and most successful quarterback in NFL history, has to be Rodgers’ role model.

In 2020, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and despite the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, Brady worked out with his future receivers. In some cases, it was even illegal, as gatherings of more than two people and joint athletic activities were prohibited. The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in the 2020 season because they did more than other teams.

So far, Aaron Rodgers has always been able to rely on his extraordinary talent. Only rarely did he have to do more than others. But if the dream of the Super Bowl in New York is to come true, he will have to put everything on the line this year.

Because others have talent, too – especially in this AFC loaded with top quarterbacks.