Aaron Rodgers has now completed his move to the New York Jets, and former divisional rival Jared Goff has sent him a cheeky message after he departed the NFC North.
After months of speculation and weeks of trade talk, Rodgers finally left the Green Bay Packers to join the Jets earlier this week. It's the first time in Rodgers' NFL career that he will be wearing anything but a Packers jersey, but it gives the 39-year-old a fresh opportunity as he enters the final two years of his bumper contract extension.
Rodgers' final season with the Packers ended in disappointment, missing out on the Play-Offs after losing on the final day against the Detroit Lions. Goff got the better of Rodgers on both occasions last season, and he made sure to reference that when wishing the quarterback farewell.
The Packers imploded last season after making a strong 4-1 start, and it was too little too late when they started to pick up some form in the final weeks of the campaign. The Lions who were already eliminated from contention held the Packers back with them on the final day of the season, allowing the Seattle Seahawks to creep their way into the Play-Offs.
It was a blip in the stunning career for Rodgers, and it may have led to his eventual decision to depart Lambeau Field and try something new. But Goff is sad to see him go, after getting two wins over him last season.
The Lions held a Draft party on Thursday night, as the team got together to witness the first-round and celebrated as running-back Jahmyr Gibbs was selected with their No.12 pick. The Packers held the following pick after trading with the Jets, and Goff couldn't help but speak about Rodgers.
"I wish him the best in New York and I’m sure he’ll do a great job there," Goff said, as it looked like he had nothing but kind words to say about his former rival. "But I kind of wish he was still here so we could beat him twice a year."
It was a savage but comedic dig by Goff, one that even Rodgers would likely laugh at himself. But Rodgers can get his own back out on the field next season if he can end the Jets' Play-Off drought.
The Jets have the longest active Play-Off drought in the NFL, with 12 years going by since they last made the postseason. Rodgers has been brought in to end that, but with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots in their division, it certainly isn't going to be easy.
