In the opening game of the 2024 NFL season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets will travel to face off against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. This marks the second consecutive year that Rodgers and the Jets have opened their season in prime time.
Rodgers, who grew up in Chico, California, and attended UC Berkeley, had initially hoped to be drafted by his hometown team in 2005. However, the 49ers opted for Alex Smith instead. Rodgers' return to the Bay Area will bring back memories of this missed opportunity.
The Jets suffered a devastating loss last season when Rodgers sustained a torn Achilles tendon just four snaps into their opening game against the Buffalo Bills. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, leaving fans and analysts wondering what could have been.
This time around, Rodgers will be facing a formidable opponent in the NFC champion 49ers. The team is coming off a crushing defeat in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets, on the other hand, finished with a disappointing 7-10 record and missed the playoffs for the 13th straight season.
The two teams share several connections. Jets coach Robert Saleh previously served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan before taking over in New York. Additionally, several former 49ers players now call themselves Jets, including defensive linemen Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas, as well as cornerback D.J. Reed.
The 49ers also signed Leonard Floyd in the offseason, who sacked Rodgers and caused his injury last season while playing for the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers has a 6-3 regular season record against the 49ers but has yet to secure a victory in the playoffs. The upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams eager to prove themselves on the field.
The NFL schedule for the entire season will be released on Wednesday.