Why did Aaron Rodgers change his number from 12 to 8? Explaining Jets QB's decision

When Aaron Rodgers decided to move to the New York Jets, the quarterback installed a new era to the team without even playing a game. Sure enough, his first year with the franchise ended after just four snaps, but his presence was felt everywhere in 2023.

Rodgers' legendary status granted him not only the choice to pick his new team but also allowed him to bring many of his Green Bay teammates to play with him in New York. However, there was just one thing that he had to adapt, and that's because, in his own words, "that's how it should always be."

The most famous Jets quarterback of all time, Joe Namath, also wore No. 12 during his years in New York — he's the only quarterback ever to lead the franchise to a Super Bowl win. As he arrived at his new team, Rodgers decided to return to his old college number, No. 8, not to mess with Namath's history.

As the veteran returned to the field for the first time since his injury in the 2024 season opener, at least he lasted one entire half. Jets fans got to taste how sweet it is to have a great quarterback at the helm.

Why does Aaron Rodgers resent the Packers?

Rodgers was traded by the Green Bay Packers after a decade and a half with the team, but just one Super Bowl win, which left scars late into their relationship. Going to the Jets was a chance to prove himself once again in a bigger market, but disaster struck quickly.

As the team used a first-round pick in Jordan Love while Rodgers was still there, the relationship began to strain. After three years, he was finally moved to another team, while Love took the reins from 2023 onwards.

It did prove to be the right decision. As Green Bay endured a tough start of the 2023 season with Love, he developed massively late that year and became a star quarterback, even taking the Packers to a famous playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone was happy in the end, but the resentment is still there.