Aaron Rodgers addresses 2021 49ers trade rumors after San Francisco dropped the ball on QB

There are just days to go before Aaron Rodgers makes his debut with the New York Jets. Technically, that debut happened a year ago. But considering he only lasted four plays before his Achilles tear took him out for the entire season, he is ready for a do-over.

And it couldn't be against a better team.

Everyone knows Rodgers, who is originally from California, grew up a diehard fan of the San Francisco 49ers. And on September 9, he is going to play against that same team. However, the situation would have played out differently if the Niners had acquired him in 2021.

Speaking to Michael Silver from the "San Francisco Chronicle," Aaron Rodgers discussed the trade that never happened. After a heartbreaking loss in the 2020 NFC Championship Game, the 4-time NFL MVP had a falling out with the top brass of his team. He said that he wanted to leave the team and hopefully, be traded to the Niners.

Syndication: Journal Sentinel - Source: Imagn

Even though he wanted to play as a Niner with all his heart, his mind said otherwise:

“I thought there was a slim, slim possibility, I just didn’t really ever think the Packers would trade me within the conference. There seemed to be some kismet (as) in ’05, with me being from Northern California, and San Fran. And as much as it seemed like not the front end of my career, but now the twilight of my career, going back home to my childhood team would have been some fated circumstance, it never really felt like it was gonna be a reality.” [H/T San Francisco Chronicle]

Everyone thought it was going to happen. In the end, it didn't.

The Green Bay Packers convinced him to stay by offering a massive contract, a 3-year, $150.815 million deal. In 2023, he was traded to the Jets.

Aaron Rodgers downplays Niners clash

Despite the history, A-Rod is not hyping up the clash. Having spent nearly two decades in the league, he knows when extreme statements can pull attention and distract from football.

In a recent chat with Kay Adams, he told her:

"It'd be a real good match-up for us Monday Night. It'll be fun." (8:01)

But most fans know that all Niners games are special for Rodgers. The team currently has a three-game lead in the regular season matchup record, and in the postseason, Rodgers has never won against the Niners.

As Jets and Rodgers fans eagerly wait for September 9, it remains to be seen if the team will come out victorious.