Joe Namath Says Aaron Rodgers Should Wear His Retired No. 12 With Jets

Joe Namath has made a generous offer to Aaron Rodgers

The Jets legend called into WFAN’s “Tiki & Tierney” on Thursday and made the case for Rodgers to join Gang Green — and wear his long-retired no. 12 jersey.

“I hope it can come true but it’s farfetched: I know Mr. [Jets owner Woody] Johnson’s trying to get a quarterback. If there’s a way he can get Rodgers … I’m a big Rodgers fan, and I noticed that he wears number 12 of course. Man, if we get him, is he still going to wearing number 12? Because that number was retired years ago…”

Namath was informed from the hosts that he had decided to be a judge.

“Well, it’s on ownership. It’s different ownership. Different people. And I’d sure love Rodgers if he’s there. Yeah, I want him to wear his number. We established ourselves and we’ve got a real respect for our numbers, and Aaron Rodgers, God almighty, yeah! It’d be great to have him in New York.”

Rodgers has been noncommittal He will decide whether to return to the Packers or retire. He is still under contract with Green Bay for 2026. Therefore, they would need to cooperate on a mutually beneficial destination.

In December, Rodgers turned 39. Rodgers could be traded to the Jets if he does. This would be similar to 2008 when Rodgers was named starter and Brett Favre was traded to New York. Jordan Love, who was selected by the Packers in the first round 2020 NFL Draft, sat alongside Rodgers three seasons.

As for incumbent quarterback Zach Wilson, Namath said that he didn’t know the 23-year-old personally but said his opinion was that “we need to make a change.”

Concerning the other no. Namath spoke out about 12 Tom Brady. “of course” he’d respect Brady wearing that number for the Jets. Brandon Tierney added that he doesn’t want Brady (who will be 46 years old next year) on the team. Namath suggested that Namath bring in the seven-time Super Bowl champion “unrealistic.”