In the wake of an Achilles injury that sidelined one of the NFL's most iconic quarterbacks, fans and analysts alike are abuzz with speculation. Will Aaron Rodgers, the venerable signal-caller known for his laser-sharp precision and playmaking prowess, make a triumphant return next season?
This question looms large over the New York Jets, who acquired Rodgers last offseason hoping for a miraculous Super Bowl run.
Below, we'll dissect the intricacies of his injury, consider the rehabilitation process, and weigh the odds of Rodgers' return to the gridiron. Join us as we explore the potential impact on the team's strategy, the quarterback's legacy, and the future of one of football's most celebrated figures.
Rodgers' Achilles Injury
Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the New York Jets, was sidelined for the entire 2023–24 NFL season due to an Achilles tear suffered during the opening possession of the regular season.
Aaron Rodgers spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers before moving to the Jets last year. Both the Jets and the Packers are two of the favored NFL teams of the upcoming season. Rodgers, who celebrated his 40th birthday in December, aspires to emulate Tom Brady's career longevity.
The combination of Rodgers' age and how he was tackled during the Jets' fourth play on offense likely led to his injury, suggests Dr. Robert Glatter, an ex-sideline doctor for the Jets and currently an assistant professor of emergency medicine at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health.
"The abrupt upward motion of his heel and foot, compounded by Leonard Floyd's weight on top of him, in addition to a pre-existing calf strain, significantly contributed to the full rupture of his Achilles tendon," stated Glatter. "His age, along with possibly the kind of turf, were also contributing elements," added Glatter.
According to information from the Mayo Clinic, the likelihood of an Achilles tendon injury grows as individuals age, predominantly occurring in the 30 to 40 age range. Furthermore, men are significantly more susceptible to these injuries, being five times more likely to suffer from them compared to women.
Rodgers After The Injury
Following his injury, Aaron Rodgers expressed fears that his Achilles injury might prematurely conclude his career. Reflecting on a year he described as "wild," the quarterback for the New York Jets shared his struggle with negative thoughts after a devastating Achilles tear on September 11 ended his season.
Visibly emotional, Rodgers recounted the tumultuous range of feelings he experienced. He noted that being traded to the Jets after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers reignited his love for the game.
Rodgers remarked that his first game with the Jets was simultaneously a career highlight and a profound low. The evening's emotional zenith came as he carried the American flag during pregame festivities, a moment he treasured as a peak in his sports career. However, the night took a sharp turn when he sustained a season-ending injury during the Jets' opening drive.
Rodgers attempted a late-season return, engaging in limited practice sessions. However, his efforts to get back to the game were halted as the Jets, who had virtually no chance of making the playoffs at that point.
Now, almost seven months after his surgery, coach Robert Saleh has confirmed that the four-time MVP will join the OTA practices next month. Reflecting on the period immediately following his injury, Rodgers shared a poignant moment from his flight back to California with some close friends, overcome with emotion.
He paused before sharing, "I said, 'I need help. This is going to be hard. I just need you guys to stand by me through the hard days when I start to doubt if this comeback is even possible,'" detailing his appeal for support to his companions.
Will Aaron Rodgers Go Back To The Field?
With conditioning both physical and mental, Aaron Rodgers has said that he intends to play this year. Despite being 40, Rodgers has no plans on hanging up his cleats as he wants to play as much as he can for the New York Jets.
For Jets fans, this is surely a welcoming update on one of the game’s most prolific quarterbacks. As to what type of Aaron Rodger we’ll see when he gets back, is one of the biggest questions. Will he be back in his MVP form or will he be a shell of his former self?
Many known athletes often struggle coming back from an achilles tendon tear, but it's not entirely impossible to get back at an elite level. A great example of this is Kevin Durant who suffered a complete achilles tendon tear during the NBA finals against Toronto. After missing a full season due to recovery, the "Slim Reaper" came back and is still dominating to this day. Although the odds are stacked against Rodgers, it certainly isn't impossible for him to return to his elite level of play once he recovers.
Final Words
The saga of Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury and his potential return to the field encapsulates more than just the story of an athlete facing adversity. It highlights the resilience and determination inherent in professional sports. Rodgers' candid reflections on his injury, his emotional turmoil, and his unwavering commitment to recovery illuminate a path of hope and possibility, not just for him but for athletes facing similar challenges.