Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari share a close friendship that spans over a decade, built on years of playing side by side with the Green Bay Packers. Their bond remains strong even though their paths have diverged in recent years. After a brutal performance on Sunday during the New York Jets’ embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills, Bakhtiari couldn’t resist poking fun at his longtime friend and former teammate.
Rodgers had a challenging day on the field. The Jets were completely outmatched, failing to score any points until garbage time, and Rodgers faced relentless pressure from the Bills’ defense. He was sacked several times, and in the process, he reached an unfortunate milestone: 566 career sacks, the most in NFL history by any player. While this record is undoubtedly a testament to Rodgers’ longevity in the league, it also highlights the struggles he’s faced in recent seasons, especially with a Jets offensive line that has been inconsistent at best.
Bakhtiari, who spent ten seasons protecting Rodgers’ blindside in Green Bay, took to social media to make light of the situation. His playful commentary on Rodgers’ record-breaking sack day was a reflection of their close relationship, one built on years of mutual respect and camaraderie both on and off the field. Despite the joking nature of his post, Bakhtiari’s words carried a sense of empathy, acknowledging the tough spot his friend found himself in.
Rodgers’ season with the Jets has been far from smooth. What many had hoped would be a rejuvenating chapter for the veteran quarterback has quickly turned into a frustrating ordeal. His struggles have led to speculation that his time with the Jets may be short-lived. With the season winding down, there are growing rumors that Rodgers could soon be released from the team. If that happens, he will have some tough decisions to make. Rodgers might decide to test the market for potential opportunities with other teams, or, given his age and injury history, he could opt to retire from the game that has defined his life for over two decades.
On the other hand, David Bakhtiari’s career has also been marred by injury. The left tackle, once considered one of the best in the game, was released by the Packers in March after spending much of the last few years trying to recover from a serious knee injury he sustained late in the 2020 season. Since then, Bakhtiari has only played in 13 games, a far cry from his previous level of performance. Although he continues to work toward a return to the field, there has been little indication that he will be able to play again anytime soon. This uncertainty about his future in football only adds to the sense that both Bakhtiari and Rodgers may be nearing the end of their careers, with their next moves uncertain.
As the Jets prepare for their final regular-season game next week against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium, it’s likely that this will be Rodgers’ last game in a Jets uniform. For Rodgers, a season that began with such promise has now been defined by a series of setbacks and disappointments, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if this will truly be the end of his time in New York. His performance against the Dolphins may very well serve as the final chapter in what has been a turbulent season, and possibly even the conclusion of his career with the Jets.
For Bakhtiari, while his playing future remains in limbo, his friendship with Rodgers remains as strong as ever. And regardless of what happens to either of them, the bond they share will continue to be one of the most enduring stories of the NFL in the years to come. The two have weathered countless highs and lows together, and no matter where their careers take them next, their friendship will be a constant that has withstood the test of time.