Quarterback Aaron Rodgers left a lot of friends in Green Bay when he was traded to the New York Jets last year. One of those friends was just released by the Packers.
This week the Packers officially released longtime offensive tackle David Bakhtiari after 11 seasons with the team. Bakhtiari posted a heartfelt message to the fans after hearing of his release, and now Rodgers has too.
“A lot of emotion in this. I just want to say THANK YOU Green Bay. Thank you for the last 11 years. It’s been a hell of a run. I always wanted to raise a Lombardi on Lombardi avenue, but I will never complain. I gave it my all. I always gave it my best no matter the circumstance and to me, that truly was enough. My 32 year old self is so damn proud of that 21 year old with no facial hair, bushy tail kid that just wanted to do his best. I’m so proud of you. For whatever happens next, I look forward to it. To the city and fans all across the world, I just want to say thank you. To the entire organization, Thank you. To entire coaching staffs, Thank you. To the entire support staff, Thank you. To my wife and daughter (Frankie and Felix): I hope you are proud. To my family (Debbie, Karl, Eric, Andrew, and Danielle): I hope I represented our name with pride these past 11 years in Green Bay. I cannot thank everyone, so I hope this post will suffice. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile, because it happened. Love 69. #Dinnerfor2,” Bakhtiari wrote.
Taking to X on Monday, Rodgers reposted Bakhtiari’s message with a simple heart emoji.
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 11, 2024
Bakhtiari himself responded to Rodgers with a photo of the two of them sitting on a wall together.
It’s been widely expected for a long time that Bakhtiari would join the New York Jets in order to reunite with Rodgers. Time will tell if the Jets are able to make such a move come to fruition.
The Jets have a pressing need at offensive tackle but precious little cap space to address it. Then there’s also the issue of Bakhtiari’s injury issues. He’s played in just 13 games over the past three seasons.
Will Rodgers and Bakhtiari be reunited in New Jersey?