When Aaron Rodgers went down just minutes into his highly anticipated debut with the New York Jets in the 2023 season, it was more than just a devastating injury. It was a moment that sent shockwaves across the NFL.
What followed was one of the most ambitious, disciplined, and closely watched recoveries in recent sports history. From the moment the injury occurred to his full recovery and return to football, Rodgers’ journey showcased elite determination and modern medical innovation.
On September 11 of that year, during the Jets’ opening game of the season against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn left Achilles tendon.
The injury occurred on just the fourth offensive snap of the game. While attempting to evade pressure from the defense, Rodgers was brought down on a routine sack. As he stood up, he quickly dropped back to the turf, signaling something was wrong.
What happened with Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury?
The injury was non-contact in nature, but the slow-motion footage showed the classic sign of an Achilles rupture: a visible ripple in the back of his leg as the tendon gave out. Rodgers was helped off the field and later ruled out for the game. Within 24 hours, scans confirmed the worst: a complete Achilles tendon tear.
Nearly a year later, Rodgers made his return to the field at the start of the 2024 NFL season. Although the overall record for the Jets was terrible (5-12), Aaron’s numbers were solid: 3897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Did Aaron Rodgers tear his Achilles?
Yes. As we’ve mentioned, the injury happened on September 11, 2023, during his debut game with the New York Jets. On just the fourth offensive play, Rodgers was sacked and immediately showed signs of distress. He was later diagnosed with a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon.
In June 2025, after parting ways with the Jets, Rodgers signed a short-term deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. For Rodgers, now 41, this move represents a final challenge and an opportunity to cement his legacy. His recovery journey not only kept his career alive, it may have extended it by several years.
This was his take during an interview with Pat McAfee about his current status and the recovery process. “I felt really good coming back from it. I felt great last year. My left Achilles felt incredible. It’s still obviously thicker than the other one. You deal with some atrophy in that calf, but, it’s all about the rehab. It sucks and it’s a long year. If you want to come back, you got to attack it.”