Aaron Rodgers Speaks About Season-Ending Achilles Injury and Recovery Prospects

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made a virtual appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, just two days after undergoing successful surgery to repair the Achilles tendon he tore during a “Monday Night Football” game against the Buffalo Bills.

Rodgers, a four-time MVP, confirmed that despite his injury, he plans to continue his weekly appearances on the show. When asked about the injury, he described the moment he knew it was serious, saying, “Before even an MRI, I knew what happened. I knew I tore my Achilles. I had popped my calf a few times… and it was not that sensation, so I knew that this was not a good situation.”

The injury occurred only four plays into his debut with the New York Jets, where Rodgers carried an American flag onto the field in commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He shared his initial joy about the day and the abrupt shift in emotions, saying, “Monday was an amazing day to start, an amazing night running on the field with the flag. Electric. And then it turned into one of the toughest 24-hour stretches I’ve had in my life.”

Rodgers underwent surgery in Los Angeles with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the same surgeon who treated Tom Brady’s torn ACL/MCL in 2008, Kobe Bryant’s torn Achilles in 2013, and Rodgers’ collarbone in 2017.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in the NFL as he turns 40 in December, Rodgers expressed determination: “Give me the doubts, give me the timetables, give me all the things that you think can, should, or would happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That’s all I need… Give me your prognostications and then watch what I do.”

Rodgers didn’t specify a timeline for his recovery but cited Kevin Garnett’s famous quote, “Anything is possible.” He emphasized his commitment to an innovative rehab plan and stated, “Stack all the odds up against me and see what happens… I’m going to try to push this thing as much as it will allow me to.”

Currently relying on crutches and unable to put weight on his foot, Rodgers has received an outpouring of support from fellow athletes who have experienced similar injuries. He expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “I think I shed just as many tears about the support and nice messages than the sadness of what happened.”

Rodgers also expressed confidence in his replacement, Zach Wilson, who has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Jets. Reflecting on his injury, Rodgers said, “I’m very confident in Zach, and I think he’s confident in himself… Truly, I was hoping he could have a couple of years to sit back and not have pressure on him and relax, but that’s how this life goes sometimes.”

While Rodgers remains sidelined, he looks forward to rejoining his teammates, admitting that he assumes he won’t be on the sidelines for an extended period and might find a way to offer suggestions during games.

Rodgers’ recovery journey will be closely watched by fans and the NFL community as he strives to return to the field.