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After $3M Help, Jets’ Aaron Rodgers Hints at Playing for the US at the Olympics as Flag Football Gains Popularity

Published 05/05/2024, 2:56 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has recently raised a whopping $3 million for charity through a flag football tournament. The funds are meant to support organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of America. 

Several NFL players, including Josh Allen and DK Metcalf, participated in the tournament organized by RX3, a venture firm Rodgers co-founded. Post-tournament, Aaron talked about the recent growth of flag football and hinted at the possibility of him getting involved in the Olympics in the future. 

Aaron Rodgers’ charity for ‘great causes’

Rodgers’ shared his excitement about raising a big amount through the tournament, stating, “We’ve raised a lot of money for great causes, and I’m excited to see where we can take it.”

Nate Raabe, the co-founder and managing director of RX3, also shared his views about the event, saying, “Every year we look to grow our total amount donated to the various charities and build awareness for our portfolio companies.”

This wasn’t the first time RX3 and Rodgers organized such an event. Last year, they raised around $150 million from investors, including renowned athletes Josh Allen and Michael Phelps, as well as entertainers like Christina Aguilera. 

A-rod is also keeping an eye on the flag football future, considering opportunities like representing the US in the Olympics. He said, “With it being an Olympic sport in 2028 and the potential for the NFL players to get involved, who knows? It could be part of the next chapter in my football career.”. Despite this, he’s also gearing up for his 20th NFL season. The 40-year-old is expected to return to the Jets’ offseason training activities soon.

Rodgers returns to the Jets

Rodgers suffered a left Achilles tendon injury last year but is making a remarkable recovery. Despite initial concerns that Aaron would miss the entire season, he surprised everyone by returning to practice just 11 weeks after undergoing surgery. Now, A-rod is set to participate in phase three of the OTAs.

HC Saleh said that Rodgers’ return will be carefully managed, especially considering the nature of the offseason program. Phases one and two focus on strength and conditioning, meetings, individual drills, and walk-through pace exercises. Rodgers’ participation will be in phase three, which includes 11-on-11 drills without contact,

Robert Saleh also added “I know he’s had a couple prior engagements that he’s taking care of, but he’s here, he’s working. I mean, the guy can still sling it. Obviously, he’s still working through his rehab, but no issues on the trajectory on which he’s going.” Rodgers’ return is a boost for the Jets, especially after they struggled offensively last season in his absence. 

As Aaron Rodgers continues his rehabilitation and prepares for the play, fans are placing their hopes on him to lead the Jets to victory.

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Written by:

Paramita Banik

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Paramita Banik is an NFL writer for EssentiallySports. She finds her inspiration in Deion Sanders and his journey with the Buffaloes. Beyond the Buffs, here storytelling skills stand out in her in-depth coverage of the league and compelling narratives of players' off-field journey.
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Edited by:

Garima Yadav