When Aaron Rodgers, the acclaimed Jets Quarterback, experienced a devastating Achilles tear, he initially believed it was the end of his illustrious career.
“I was really thinking, ‘This is it. You don’t come back from this injury,'” Rodgers said during an interview on the “I Can Fly” podcast, per the Associated Press.
Aaron Rodgers initially thought "this is it" for career after torn Achilles. https://t.co/IEQEo9EBQJ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 11, 2024
This incident occurred while skillfully avoiding Buffalo pass rushers in the season opener against the Bills.
The Achilles tear came as a low blow at a time when Rodgers was riding high on feelings of revitalized love for the sport.
Rodgers mentioned his pre-game ritual of running onto the field with the American flag as one of his career’s significant highs.
However, the moment his Achilles snapped– he recalls it as one of the challenging phases of his career.
“I had this incredible offseason experience in a new city, in a new town, with new teammates, a new organization, an owner for the first time, and really falling back in love with the game that I first fell in love with when I was 5 years old,” Rodgers said. “And it was absolutely beautiful and special and deep and rich and yummy, and just incredible.
“And then, one of the most heartbreaking nights of my life, when I played four plays. Talk about an ego death.”
Despite the harsh reality of his injury, Rodgers demonstrated exceptional resilience. He made a valiant effort to return to the field in 2023.
The Jets and their fans have high expectations from Rodgers. The four-time MVP is anticipated to return to his top form after the roster revamp.
