The incredible impact of Aaron Rodgers' arrival at the New York Jets has been laid bare by his teammates, who insist the 'building is buzzing' with the 39-year-old in town.
Rodgers shocked the world when he called time on his 18-year Green Bay Packers career earlier in the year, heading to the Big Apple for a run at the Super Bowl with a new set of teammates.
And his presence is already being felt in the locker room, with players waxing lyrical about the quarterback as preparations continue for the new season.
'The room is buzzing right now... the building is buzzing... and it's buzzing for a reason,' defensive tackle Solomon Thomas told reporters this week.
'You bring in a solidified Hall of Famer like Aaron Rodgers and it's going to change some things. His leadership, his knowledge, the way he plays the game — you know he's going to put up points and you know he's going to play smart football.
'It brings a whole new youthfulness around this team, even for the vets.'
Rodgers has already thrown himself into life in New York, being pictured courtside at the New York Knicks and attending two Taylor Swift concerts, while also shopping on Bowery and heading out for dinner in the city with his girlfriend Mallory Edens.
On the field, his arrival in New York will end the quarterback debate that dominated the 2022 season, after Zach Wilson struggled in his second year.
He started just nine games, and completed only 54 percent of his passes for six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He was eventually replaced by Mike White mid-season, and although he proved a solid option, the arrival of Rodgers has completely changed the mood in camp.
Such was the desire for the Packers legend to head to New York, players like Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson - rookies last season - were openly calling for him on social media before the trade was announced.
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