Would Aaron Rodgers get the No. 12 jersey at the New York Jets?

A number of indications point to the fact that Aaron Rodgers might be heading to the New York Jets. The veteran quarterback looks set to leave the Green Bay Packers, the team he has played for since he was drafted as the 24th overall pick in 2004.

One question that not many people are asking is whether Rodgers would wear his iconic No. 12 jersey with the Jets. Jersey numbers have become a big part of player branding and marketing in the NFL and Rodgers has become synonymous with the No. 12.

Rodgers has worn 12 throughout his long career in the NFL with the Packers, however, that jersey number is not available with the New York Jets. A dramatic and unexpected team switch might be set to alter what has become his trademark.

Why is the No. 12 jersey not available at the Jets?

No one has been issued this jersey number for the franchise since 1985. The last player to have the jersey number is the legendary Joe Namath.

The No. 12 was retired by the New York Jets in 1985 in honor of Namath. The quarterback played for the Jets from 1965-1976 and led them to their first and only Super Bowl win in 1969. He is widely regarded as the best player ever to appear for the Jets in the NFL.

Buffalo Bills v New York Jets

In a situation where Aaron Rodgers finally inks a deal with the Jets, he might need to choose another jersey number. Either that or have the Jets unretire the No. 12 jersey. So, which is more likely?

Would the Jets unretire the No. 12 jersey for Aaron Rodgers?

The chances of the Jets unretiring the No. 12 jersey should they secure Rodgers is actually quite high. Far more likely than Rodgers changing his number.

It's worth noting that this won't be the first time this has happened. The Denver Broncos unretired Frank Tripucka's No. 18 jersey (which was retired in 1963) for Peyton Manning when he joined the team in 2012.

Aaron Rodgers might be the next in line to get that rare honor. He has also received the blessing of Joe Namath himself to wear the jersey number if he signs for the Jets.

Namath said the following in his recent appearance on the "Tiki and Tierney" show:

"Yes, I want him to wear his number. We've established ourselves and have a real respect for our numbers, and Aaron Rodgers, God almighty, yes! It would be great to have him in New York."

The Jets remain one of the possible destinations for Rodgers, who seems to be in favor of a move away from the Packers. The honor of wearing Namath's jersey might also be an enticing factor for him to choose the New York team.

It will be interesting to see whether Rodgers joins Peyton Manning in having a jersey unretired for him.