Aaron Rodgers' friend on Jets, future: ‘Hard to watch’ ... it looks ‘bleak’

Even Aaron Rodgers' friend is having trouble watching the New York Jets quarterback this season.

Rodgers' teammate for 10 seasons on the Green Bay Packers, ex-NFL linebacker Clay Matthews couldn't hide behind what he's seeing as the Jets flail to 3-7 and Rodgers looks more like a 40-year-old and less like his vintage self.

"It is tough for me to watch because there's no bigger fan of Aaron than me," Matthews told FOX News . "I enjoy watching the Jets. Obviously, Davante (Adams') been over there. I mean, they have star power up and down the offense, but, unfortunately, they just haven't been clicking. It's hard to watch."

That wasn't supposed to be the script for the Jets when they acquired Rodgers before the start of the 2023 season. Their hopes were dashed four snaps into that season when Rodgers tore his ACL, but the playoff hopes were revived with the QB returning for 2024. Ten games into their season, the Jets are being led by an interim coach and. they rank 26th in points scored and yards for with a defense that has also struggled. The Davante Adams acquisition a month ago created headlines — he and Rodgers produced the best numbers of their careers together in Green Bay — but it's done little to help the Jets win. New York is 1-3 with Adams, who has 20 catches for 206 yards and a touchdown.

There's always next year for the Jets, who haven't reached the playoffs since 2010 and could be facing a full organizational overhaul in the offseason — including with Rodgers.

"The Jets, it's been a while since they've been in the playoffs. It's been a while since I'm sure they've had a winning season," Matthews said. "It needs to change, but, unfortunately, I don't know if this is the year. Perhaps maybe they pick it up towards the latter part, but it's tough sledding when the future looks to be bleak."

The Jets, who are tied for last place in the AFC East, can start to recapture some good vibes Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.