How does the newest member of the New York Jets live outside the stadium? In true superstar quarterback fashion, Aaron Rodgers recently purchased a $9.5 million luxury home in Essex County, New Jersey to be near MetLife Stadium. This contemporary architectural marvel offers Rodgers plenty of amenities and dazzling skyline views. However, not everything is perfect in this pricy palace.
An Interior Designer Critiques Rodgers’ New Digs
When luxury interior designer Bilal Rehman toured the home, he was impressed by the location and exterior but underwhelmed by aspects of the interior design. According to Rehman, while the home’s ample square footage, open floor plan, and sleek finishes are spectacular, poor layout and material choices ruin the overall flow.
“This house has incredible potential but some odd design choices. With improvements, it could live up to its multi-million price tag. In its current state, however, some spaces are an awkward mix of high end and low brow,” said Rehman.
So what specifically did Rehman dislike? Let’s take a look at his blunt room-by-room analysis.
Aaron Rodgers House A Nightmare Kitchen
Rehman’s harshest criticism focused on the chef’s kitchen, which he deemed a complete nightmare. Although fitted with top-of-the-line appliances like a Wolf range, SubZero refrigerators, and a large island, the space is cramped and inefficient.
“This kitchen layout makes no sense. It is almost like they added expensive appliances as an afterthought without considering overall functionality. The work triangle between sink, oven, and fridge is disjointed. Cabinet depth is insufficient. And don’t get me started on the tiny eat-in banquette crammed in the corner,” said Rehman.
Beyond bad feng shui, Rehman noted issues with the cabinetry and floors. He found the kitchen’s custom walnut cabinets dated with visible seams between panels. He also disliked the busy multicolored granite countertops and backsplash tile paired with wide-plank oak floors.
“None of these finishes complement each other at all. It’s just cabinetry, stone, tile, and wood slamming into each other from all directions. A chaotic mess,” he added.
Aaron Rodgers House Lackluster Living Spaces
Beyond the kitchen, Rehman felt the living spaces lacked imagination. He described the formal living and dining rooms as cold and barren with sage green walls, dated chandeliers, and minimal furnishings. The dimly lit den came across similarly uninviting with its dark mahogany paneling and massive brick fireplace.
However, the designer did approve of the ample natural light in the two-story family room and breakfast nook. He also liked the proximity of the open family areas to the outdoor patios.
Master Suite Letdown
Rehman expected the master suite to wow but found it a disappointment. He was thrilled by the suite’s raw space including a sitting area, spa-like bath, and massive walk-in closet. Unfortunately, the finishes missed the mark.
“This suite lacks any cohesive style. The half-finished accent wall and floral bedding feel like a cheap motel. And putting a jacuzzi tub literally in the bedroom? Tacky.” said Rehman.
Again, Rehman noted issues with material choices like dated three-tone carpeting, faux wood shutters, and mismatched bathroom tiles. He thought the suite felt disjointed from the rest of the home.
Bright Spots
Despite these complaints, Rehman acknowledged several excellent features in Rodgers’ new home. He praised highlights like:
- Stunning great room with 30-foot ceiling and modern staircase
- Open entertaining areas ideal for hosting
- Top-notch fitness studio and sauna
- Home theater with tiered seating
- Impressive four-car garage
- Smart home technology, security, and automation
- Resort-style pool, fire pit, and pizza oven outdoors
Jaw-Dropping Exterior and Location
If the interior design left Rehman underwhelmed, the exterior amenities surpassed expectations. The designer called the home’s setting “idyllic” and “straight out of a movie.”
The 12,000 square foot Colonial-style residence is perched on a private 3-acre lot in the exclusive Essex County community of Cedar Grove. Rodgers’ backyard oasis features landscaped gardens, a pool house, and even a manmade pond.
Despite its secluded setting, the home lies only 40 minutes from Manhattan. Rehman called the proximity to NYC “brilliant.” It allows Rodgers easy access to his new home field, MetLife Stadium, and away games at the Giants’ and Jets’ shared facility.
Jutting out from the wooded lot, Rodgers’ stone and wood exterior presents an imposing yet modern statement. Floor-to-ceiling windows across the back of the home optimize those Big Apple skyline views.
Overall, the location and exterior aesthetics left Rehman thoroughly impressed, making up for some of the interior design flaws.
Inside Rodgers’ Home Buying Process
According to listing agent Melissa Ambrosino, Rodgers purchased the home fully furnished as a turnkey property valued at roughly $10 million total. This included furniture the previous owners purchased for over $400,000 to stage the home for sale.
“Aaron got to walk right into an NFL player’s paradise without lifting a finger. This house was move-in ready for someone accustomed to luxury,” said Ambrosino.
This rare “turnkey” listing intrigued Rodgers, who has moved across the country four times for his NFL career. Ambrosino said Rodgers viewed the home only once before making an offer well below list price. After minor negotiations, the deal closed within two weeks for $9.5 million.
Rodgers essentially bought the home sight unseen, likely planning to make custom renovations soon per Rehman’s advice. His offer came in $1.5 million under the original $11 million ask. But it still shattered records, marking the most expensive single-family home sale to-date in Essex County this year.
How Rodgers’ Digs Compare to Other NFL Stars
His new neighborhood puts Rodgers amongst NFL royalty. Several fellow superstars own homes in nearby towns. Let’s see how Rodgers’ pad stacks up against other pros:
Tom Brady – Brookline, MA: The NFL’s winningest quarterback rented this suburban Boston mansion with his wife Gisele Bundchen. At 10,000 square feet, Brady’s former pad is comparable to Rodgers’ new home but valued under $7 million. Brady has since upgraded to a $17 million compound in Miami.
Eli Manning – Summit, NJ: Like Rodgers, this former Giants QB chose New Jersey for its proximity to MetLife Stadium. Manning’s home in the posh suburb of Summit spans 8,500 square feet on 2 acres with a tennis court. Property records value it around $5.25 million.
Odell Beckham Jr – Austin, TX: After signing with the Browns, Beckham bought this 9,100 square foot residence for $2.2 million. The modern farmhouse features an infinity pool and home theater but sits on less than one acre.
Clearly Rodgers’ new neighborhood comes with exclusive company! His mega-million mansion stands out even among NFL royalty. It proves this newest New York Jet plans to live up to his superstar status.
New Team, New Aaron Rodgers House
Rodgers joins the Jets in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career. The four-time NFL MVP provides instant star power as the franchise rebuilds. His $9.5 million New Jersey mansion seems a fitting home base for this next chapter.
Beyond a luxe living space, the Aaron Rodgers House a fresh start nearby his new team facilities. It also situates him well for post-retirement, with easy access to New York’s business and entertainment worlds.
Hopefully this architectural marvel can provide Rodgers the solitude to re-energize away from the field. And if he takes Rehman’s advice, Rodgers can transform this extravagant abode into a truly stellar home.
In either case, Rodgers’ stunning new digs exemplify his NFL superstar status and wealth. This luxury residence lets him train, entertain, and relax in the opulence his career achievements afford. Though the New York market represents uncharted waters, Rodgers appears poised to prosper in this exciting new challenge. In a mansion like this, how could he not feel on top of the football world?
More Reaction to Rodgers’ Lavish New Mansion
Beyond interior designer Bilal Rehman, others in the real estate community also weighed in on Rodgers’ extravagant $9.5 million New Jersey mansion. We gathered opinions from various perspectives:
Luxury developer: “This property hits all the marks for elite clientele. State-of-the-art amenities, total privacy, and proximity to New York. The price tag is eye-popping but fair for the exclusivity and turnkey factor,” said Rob Kaplan of Kaplan Residential.
Notable sports agent: “It’s on-brand for Rodgers’ stature but surprising given his minimal connections to the area. This screams mid-life crisis! But the location should help him better embrace the Jets,” commented Dan Bernstein of SBG Sports.
Famed architect: “I love the contradictions of traditional exterior with thoroughly modern interior. Rodgers’ home juxtaposes styles beautifully. I could do without the pointless façade gables, but otherwise it’s superb,” analyzed Linda Zhang of Zhang & Associates.
Former Jet: “Man, what a dream spot! I’m jealous I never lived there as a player. The amenities are unreal. Rodgers is smart to enjoy it now before retirement,” remarked former wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.
AFC East rival fan: “Ugh, just when I thought I couldn’t dislike Rodgers more, he joins the Jets and buys this obnoxious Jersey McMansion? So gaudy. Brady never flaunted his wealth like this,” complained @Pats4Life1234 in a viral tweet.
New Yorker: “I bet Rodgers can see Manhattan’s skyline lit up from that lawn. Incredible. Hopefully he’ll bring Lombardi trophies our way now,” said Upper East Side resident Eric Simons.
New Jersey neighbor: “First Gisele and Tom invade Brookline, now Rodgers moves into Cedar Grove? Leave it to football to ruin our peace and jack up property taxes,” grumbled Jonathan Keller of Cedar Grove.
Clearly Rodgers’ splashy Big Apple area real estate purchase elicits passionate responses even beyond sports circles! But regardless of differing opinions, one thing is certain – this mansion and move firmly plants Rodgers on New York’s elite social scene.
How Rodgers Can Better Embrace His New Surroundings
Between getting familiar with Jets’ offensive schemes and diving into luxury home renovations, Rodgers faces major adjustments on both professional and personal fronts.
Here are three tips to help Rodgers better embrace this next chapter in New York/New Jersey on and off the field:
1. Explore the metropolitan area.
Rodgers should take time touring NYC’s boroughs and cultural attractions. He can also check out Hoboken, Princeton, Atlantic City, and other great Garden State destinations right in his backyard. Immersing himself in the region will make Rodgers feel more at home.
2. Connect with charities.
The quarterback should seek out philanthropic partnerships in social justice, healthcare, and other causes he values. Working with new local organizations helps Rodgers ingrain himself in the community.
3. Lean on friends and teammates.
Rodgers should reach out to old and new friends nearby, from college pal Mark Sanchez to Jets’ receiver Corey Davis. Building bonds and embracing a support network smooths Rodgers’ transition.
By using this luxury home as a jumping off point to experience the area’s offerings, connect with residents, and bond with teammates, Rodgers can settle into his new NFL chapter seamlessly.
Final Thoughts on Rodgers’ Blockbuster Real Estate Transaction
Regardless of any interior design criticisms, Rodgers’ stunning $9.5 million mansion will soon feel like home. Its unbeatable location provides convenient access to everything this elite athlete requires.
The home’s luster and pedigree rightfully reflects Rodgers’ stature. While not yet perfect, it contains every foundational element needed for his superstar lifestyle.
This marquee real estate deal symbolizes Rodgers embracing his next on-field challenge in New York. It telegraphs his expectation to add more victories and records with the Jets.
In closing this deal, Rodgers gained far more than beautiful bedrooms and lux amenities. He acquired the ideal headquarters to thrive in the spotlight and pressure of NYC’s sports mecca.
For this future Hall of Famer, new team and home field, but same soaring championship ambitions.
