Sometimes, life comes at you fast. Just two years ago, Aaron Rodgers ruled out the idea of talking to New York Jets legendary quarterback Joe Namath and decided to wear number 8. The expectations were so high, and expectedly so, after the Jets invested so much to have the future Hall of Famer under center.
Two years later, number 8 has already been given to another player.
Not that anyone would expect a jersey retirement ceremony after two underwhelming seasons for Rodgers, but just a month after the quarterback's official release from the organization, the Jets have already handed his old number to safety Andre Cisco, signed in free agency.
Cisco, a former third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, used to wear number 5. However, on the Jets, this one belongs to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. So Cisco went with number 8, available since the Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers.
The safety signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal in free agency.
The story is completely different for Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers. The organization has already decided it will retire No. 12, and no player has worn it since Rodgers was traded to the Jets two years ago. Obviously, the circumstances are not the same.
No. 12 was retired by the Jets in 1985, almost a decade after Namath's retirement from the NFL.
Next step
Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating his future. If he decides to keep playing, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the likely landing spot—and he even visited Pittsburgh to get a feel for the team and what to expect.
Curiously, No. 12 is not officially retired by the Steelers, but it hasn't been reissued since Terry Bradshaw retired after the 1983 season. At this moment, No. 8 is worn by punter Corliss Waitman, so Rodgers would have to negotiate with the special teamer or choose another number.
