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GREEN BAY, Wis. -- One day after news broke that the Green Bay Packers agreed to trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, the longtime quarterback penned a lengthy farewell message to his soon-to-be former teammates and fans.
Following speculation about Rodgers' next steps that began at nearly the moment he walked off the field for the final time last season, the star quarterback announced last month he intended to play for the Jets next season. Further details of that trade were reported on Monday.
On Instagram Tuesday evening, Rodgers expressed gratitude to the Packers organizations, players and fans alike.
"I grew up in Green Bay, drafted at 21, fell in love with the game, met some lifelong friends, and take with me memories that will last a lifetime," he wrote in part. "I’m grateful to the late Ted Thompson for drafting me, for my head coaches, especially the 13 years with Mike McCarthy, and the last 4 with Matt LaFleur."
Rodgers went on to thank the fans, who "made every run out of the tunnel special, every home game magical," and his teammates, writing, "I played with friends; thanks for believing in me and having my back always."
"This is not the end for us, I see you again Green Bay, you’ll always have my heart," he added.
Aaron Rodgers will be introduced as the next #Jets QB tomorrow at 2 pm.