There is no doubt that Aaron Rodgers’ credentials as a starting quarterback show that he’s one of the greatest of all time.
Four league MVPs, a Super Bowl title and MVP, and several major records have been tied to the former Green Bay Packers superstar. In his first season with the New York Jets, though, things didn’t go exactly the way Rodgers may have wanted.
And it left him fearful that his time in the league was coming to an end.
Aaron Rodgers Feared Career Was Over After Injury
On the Tuesday edition of the “I Can Fly” Podcast, the current starting quarterback for the Jets looked back on the last year of his life — his trade from Green Bay to New York, “falling in love with the game” again with the Jets during training camp, his Achilles injury in the season opener, and his road to recovery.
Through it all, there was one central thought that Rodgers continues to push forth — one of thankfulness for the road traveled.
“I often have a hard time when people say, ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ Part of it is the ego of it wanting to be a little easier sometimes,” Rodgers explained. “So much changed over the last six months that would not have happened had I not been carted off the field. How can I not be grateful?”
Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Packers. He won Super Bowl 45 MVP after throwing for 304 yards and three scores. He won four league MVPs during his time in Green Bay but was traded to the Jets last offseason as both sides appeared to be looking for a fresh start.
For a team that has not made the playoffs for the last 13 seasons, the Jets gravitated toward Rodgers’ leadership throughout training camp and allowed the quarterback to fall back in love with the game of football.
All those thoughts came crashing down in the blink of an eye, though.
Aaron Rodgers is coming back with a vengeance in 2024#Jets | 🎥 @icanflypod pic.twitter.com/wv65N3WN5m
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) April 10, 2024
Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four offensive plays into his Jets debut on Monday Night Football. With the way the injury usually is handled, and with previous athletes seeing their careers crumble after the same injury, the future Hall-of-Famer thought he had played his last down in the game.
“I was heartbroken,” Rodgers stated. “On Sept. 11 in the locker room thinking my career was over and that was how I was going to go out.”
It turns out Rodgers isn’t done just yet. The 40-year-old signal-caller fought to try and return to the field late last season, but due to the Jets being out of playoff contention, resolved himself to be 100% for 2024.
During his recovery, Rodgers had time to reflect and ponder his NFL career. During that time, the veteran found solace in the fact his playing days weren’t over and enjoyed the ride that his recovery brought.
“After all the beauty of the summer, Hard Knocks, and a new team, being in a new jersey and the excitement … and then, that. I look back now, and I see so much change in my life for the better.”
KEEP READING: Former NFL Quarterback Very Optimistic About the 2024 Jets Because of Aaron Rodgers – ‘Legitimate Contender’
Rodgers and the Jets have gone through a transformation of sorts this offseason. After a second straight 7-10 season, head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas are on the hot seat to end a decade-long playoff drought. New York’s quarterback has defended both and has seen the roster add premier talent like All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith and wide receiver Mike Williams.
For the Jets to finally reach their playoff goals, though, they’ll need Rodgers at 100% and focused on the new season. That’s something the quarterback can guarantee.
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