Aaron Rodgers arrived in the 2023 NFL season with high aspirations, aiming to lead the New York Jets to a deep run. But only four plays into Week 1, an Achilles tear forced him off the field and ended his season. And he thought it would end his career as well.
āI was really thinking, āThis is it. You donāt come back from this injury,āā Rodgers said on the āI Can Flyā podcast, as many athletes had to call it a career after tearing their Achilles.
Thatās why the support from his friends was crucial by then, since they were there for the four-time MVP in one of the most challenging moments in his career. A day after the injury, Rodgers flew to his home in California.
āI said, āI need help. This is going to be really tough. I just need you all to be there for me on the tough days when I stop believing itās possible,āā Rodgers said. āItās hard to ask for help.ā
Rodgersā recovery went much better than predicted, as the quarterback even got to throw at practice in the final weeks of the regular season. There was speculation about a potential return for a playoff appearance, but the Jets didnāt make the postseason. Either way, heās excited to come back this year.
Aaron Rodgers looks on before a game
āI love playing,ā Rodgers added. āI fell back in love with the game (after joining the Jets) and then I had it taken away after four plays. I miss being out there, I love competing. Football is my happy place. Thatās where I feel most in control of my athletic ability. I missed that last year, I really, really missed it. My heart was broken. Iām excited about taking the field one more time and ā not life or death ā going to battle with my guys.ā
see also
NFL News: Jets' owner answers to Aaron Rodgers' interest vice president interest
Jets aiming to contend in 2024
2023 wasnāt meant to be, but the Jets canāt wait to see how this season goes with Rodgers under center. New York expects the veteran star to do what the injury didnāt let him last year, surrounded by a talented group.
Running back Breece Hall could certainly benefit from a signal-caller of this caliber, just like wideout Garrett Wilson, as the offense was held back by the lack of a proven QB during Rodgersā absence in 2023.
Former Chargers star Mike Williams will also be in the Big Apple to provide another weapon for Rodgers, so it will be interesting to see what the Jets can do. Of course, the least everyone expects from them is to improve the 7-10 record from last year.
Projected Jets offense in 2024
- QB: Aaron Rodgers
- RB: Breece Ball
- WR: Garrett Wilson
- WR: Mike Williams
- WR: Xavier Gipson
- TE: Tyler Conklin
- TE: Jeremy Ruckert
- LT: Tyron Smith
- LG: John Simpson
- C: Joe Tippmann
- RG: Alijah Vera-Tucker
- RT: Morgan Moses
