Viral Aaron Rodgers camp video has Jets fans feeling validated

The New York Jets made the important and necessary decision to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. After months of speculation, the Jets cut ties with the four-time MVP following a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw Rodgers stay healthy but look like a shell of his former self.

While his numbers weren’t awful, his play told a different story. Rodgers looked noticeably slower, less decisive, and unable to consistently elevate the offense. It became clear to many inside and outside the organization that his best days were behind him.

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a flier on Rodgers anyway, signing the 41-year-old quarterback in hopes that a change of scenery could spark one final run. But early training camp footage isn’t exactly inspiring confidence.

That skepticism only grew after a now-viral video of Rodgers at Steelers camp made the rounds this week. The clip shows the veteran QB moving at a snail’s pace during routine drills, prompting some fans to question whether he has anything left in the tank.

One commenter joked, “Aaron Rodgers looking 104 years old in drills, if the Steelers win a game it’ll be an accomplishment.” Another remarked that it looks like he needs a wheelchair.

Viral Aaron Rodgers video shows ex-Jets QB looking old and sluggish

Rodgers returned healthy from his torn Achilles in 2024 and went on to start all 17 games the Jets played last season. His box score numbers look encouraging too: 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 63% completion, and nearly 4,000 passing yards.

The film and advanced metrics tell a different story, however. Rodgers looked every bit his age last season, showing diminished mobility, a hesitation to throw downfield, and a noticeable decline in his overall pocket presence.

The future Hall of Famer ranked 32nd out of 34 qualified quarterbacks in completion percentage over expected, with only Anthony Richardson and Cooper Rush finishing below him. He also ranked 28th in average air yards, 24th in success rate, and 19th in EPA/play.

Rodgers barely resembled the 10-time Pro Bowler who spent over a decade dominating the competition. That, combined with the numerous off-field and culture concerns, is why the new Jets regime was quick to move on this offseason.

The Steelers, desperate for a quarterback after missing out on multiple of their preferred options, including new Jets QB Justin Fields, ultimately turned to Rodgers as a stopgap solution, hoping his experience could mask his physical decline and steady an uncertain offense.

It's still early, and it's probably not best to draw major conclusions from training camp clips, but it's hard not to raise an eyebrow when the supposed savior of Pittsburgh’s offense looks like he’s moving in slow motion, especially given how he looked last season.

The more time passes, the clearer it becomes that the Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers at the right time, and videos like this are making it easier for fans to see why.

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