Enjoying His Welcome Tour, Aaron Rodgers Becoming Fixture at Madison Square Garden
Move over, Spike Lee.
Aaron Rodgers is becoming the courtside face of Madison Square Garden lately.
The New York Jets’ new quarterback attended his second NBA Playoffs game in three days, sitting in the front row for the Knicks’ 111-105 series-evening victory over the Miami Heat on May 2.
Rodgers had a seat right next to reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner and the two Jets were joined in the row by beloved New York Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. After the Knicks’ win, Rodgers posed for a photo with former NBA player, and Syracuse star, Carmelo Anthony.
The 39-year old Rodgers, who looks like a kid again since officially joining the Jets, was also present at New York’s Game 1 loss on April 30. At that game, he sat next to rapper Jack Harlow and also had what appeared to be a pleasant interaction with Lee, the legendary Brooklyn filmmaker and longtime NYK fanatic.
“I am having an absolute blast. It’s been so fun,” said Rodgers during his Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. “I got here [New Jersey] Tuesday night [April 25], so today’s like a week, and it’s been a blast. It really has. To go to the hockey game, the basketball game, meet all my guys, just get to know the facility.
Prior to the two nights he spent soaking in NBA postseason action, Rodgers and a Jets’ contingent rooted the New York Rangers onto a win that forced a Game 7 in their series with the Hudson River rival New Jersey Devils.
Having made a number appearances on the MSG jumbotron that hangs from the center of the ceiling, Rodgers has received rousing ovations each time.
"I'm just pinching myself alotta days. I can't believe it's real sometimes," said Rodgers to former NFL punter-turned-media maven Pat McAfee. "It's been a dream for sure, just to be here. I definitely feel energized."
Although he's admittedly enjoying his new home, Rodgers showed nothing but love for Green Bay after spending the first 18 years of his professional career as a Packer.
"That takes nothing away from the 18 beautiful years I spent in Green Bay," said Rodgers. "How can you ask for anything better than that. It's just a special place to play."
After living in the Midwest and making plenty of long-lasting memories with the historic Packers' franchise, Rodgers has smoothly transitioned to the big city life.
"With everything being new, and embracing the change, and just the things that maybe aren't as comfortable as they used to be, it's been a lot of fun," said Rodgers. "I think everybody's excited to have me here."
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Jets' QB Aaron Rodgers interacts with filmmaker Spike Lee at Madison Square Garden during a Knicks' playoff game.
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