Rodgers Respects Namath’s No. 12, Likely to Pick New Number: Former Jets QB

Former New York Jets quarterback and current NFL analyst Boomer Esiason is convinced that Aaron Rodgers won’t be wearing his iconic No. 12 jersey with Gang Green. Speaking on his morning show on New York radio station WFAN, Esiason said that Rodgers is too smart to make such a move. According to Esiason, Rodgers understands the significance of the No. 12 jersey and respects its history with Jets legend Joe Namath.

Esiason compared Rodgers’ situation to that of Hall of Famer Joe Montana, who changed numbers when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1990s. Montana felt that the No. 16 jersey in Kansas City should always be associated with Chiefs legend Len Dawson and ultimately changed to No. 19.

Rodgers recently confirmed on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he intends to play for the Jets during the 2023 season. However, when asked about the possibility of wearing his and Namath’s No. 12 jersey, Rodgers remained tight-lipped and said that there will be time for that conversation in the future.

According to Mike Gavin of NBC Sports Chicago, Rodgers is expected to choose a new number out of respect for Namath. Esiason believes that Rodgers will either go with No. 8, which he wore in college, or No. 10, which is available following Braxton Berrios’ release. However, Esiason is confident that Rodgers won’t be wearing No. 12, as that would be like someone wearing the No. 12 jersey in Packers history after Rodgers has left.

Esiason has been following the Rodgers-New York links since the winter months and has ties to the Jets. Assuming a trade is worked out between the two teams, it sounds like Rodgers will be picking a new number to wear during home games held at MetLife Stadium.

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