Arguably the most important player in franchise history for the New York Jets is quarterback Joe Namath, who led the team to victory in Super Bowl III.
Among Namath’s numerous memorable moments, one in particular reigns supreme. That moment being when Namath predicted they would win that Super Bowl despite being double digit underdogs. Namath famously proclaimed:
“We’re gonna win the game. I guarantee it”.
Thankfully, Namath was correct that day as the Jets did defeat the Baltimore Colts to become Super Bowl champions. Unfortunately, the Jets have yet to win another Super Bowl since.
But perhaps that will change this year. In fact, according to quarterback Aaron Rodgers that is the goal and, much like Namath, he’s willing to say that goal publicly.
Aaron Rodgers not running away from expectations: ‘The goal is New Orleans’ https://t.co/0XsYHa5bni pic.twitter.com/k4OJXZRSrv
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 25, 2024
Within that linked article, written by Steve Serby of the NY Post, Rodgers expands on his thoughts, explaining that he viewed the Jets as one of a select few teams that were capable of meeting that lofty challenge.
“The beauty is, every single year there’s 8 to 12 teams, maybe — probably less — but 8 to 12 teams that can actually do it, and we’re one of those 8 to 12.”
The quarterback also waxed poetic about the quality of the roster saying:
Rodgers said, “I think so, yeah. I think we’re locked in. I think we’re better upfront [LT Tyron Smith, RT Morgan Moses] on the offensive side … and across the board on offense I think we have that year of experience. Defensively we’re always gonna be good.”
By no means is stating a goal like Rodgers did as heavy handed as predicting a victory like Namath did, but it’s nice to see a team that clearly believes in itself enough to state that so publicly. Now Jets fans just have to hope that optimism is warranted and results in some clearly plus play this season.
