This season, watching Aaron Rodgers struggle with the Jets has been difficult for Packers legend Clay Matthews.

For 10 seasons, Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers were integral to the Green Bay Packers, excelling on their respective sides of the ball.

The Packers Hall of Fame inductee Matthews, a feared outside linebacker, has retired from the game, while the four-time MVP quarterback Rodgers continues playing with the New York Jets.

Since being traded from Green Bay to New York last season, the Jets have not lived up to the hype, unlike the success Rodgers had with the Packers, including a Super Bowl win in 2011.

This week, Matthews confessed to Planet Chronicle Digital that it's difficult for him to witness his friend and ex-teammate going through hard times.

"Matthews stated that it is difficult for him to watch the Jets play because he is a huge fan of Aaron and they haven't been performing well."

The expectation was that the Jets would break out of their 13-year playoff drought with Rodgers healed from his Achilles injury suffered on the fourth snap of the 2023 season.

To have a legitimate shot at winning the championship, they must win all of their remaining games, which are numbered 3-7 through 10.

The Jets' offense boasts an impressive amount of star power, as evidenced by the recent addition of Davante Adams, a former teammate from the Packers, through a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Despite the lethal connection between Rodgers and Green Bay, the same connection has not yet formed with the Jets. Additionally, prior to Adams' arrival, Rodgers has not found the consistency he desires, as evidenced by the record.

The Jets rank 26th overall in offense, with an average of 298.5 yards per game, and 17th in passing yards per game, at 211.7 yards.

According to Rodgers' weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," the Jets' biggest challenge is "it's us against us," and Matthews understands that Rodgers will be setting an example in private.

Matthews stated, "I'm not sure many words will aid."

He's staying the course, as he's a 20-year veteran who's been through everything and is battle-tested. He's still one of the best and can make all the throws. I'm not sure what the moral needs to be, as quotes often come out flat. At this point, I'm not sure much words will help as far as 'We need to pick it up.'

"The Jets have not been in the playoffs for a while, and it's been a while since they had a winning season. It's time for a change, but unfortunately, I'm not sure if this is the year. Maybe they will pick it up towards the end, but it's tough going when the future looks bleak."

Will Rodgers be involved in the future past the 2024 campaign? Although he is under contract for the 2025 season, none of the compensation is guaranteed. Rodgers also has the option to retire.

Matthews doubts that will occur, particularly given how this season has progressed.

Aaron is too competitive, and we'll see how he feels. After dealing with knee and hamstring issues that limited his mobility, it seems like he has moved past his Achilles injury.

"In my final year in Green Bay, I desired to return and end on a positive note or at least maintain the momentum. As a competitor, it is essential to have a self-assured demeanor, so to speak. However, I still believe he possesses the ability to execute all the throws and accomplish what is necessary."

GIVING BACK WITH CROWN ROYAL

Matthews, a Jets fan when it comes to supporting Rodgers, will always be a Packer, which is why he joined Crown Royal, the official whiskey sponsor of the NFL, in its fourth year of the Kick Off with Crown program.

The Crown Royal Rig, a purple 18-wheeler, is touring NFL stadiums this year to showcase players like Matthews and support the military.

Matthews discussed his eagerness to reunite with Packers fans during the Thanksgiving night tailgate, as well as the significance of the event. The tailgate will involve fans putting together care packages for military members with Crown Royal's longtime partner, Packages From Home.

"What's even more significant is how Crown Royal is supporting the military community through their Purple Bag Project, which involves sending morale-boosting items to our troops from home," Matthews stated.

"The Packers receive a primetime game on Thanksgiving, allowing us to enjoy exceptional football and contribute to our military community. This embodies everything that is remarkable."

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