Aaron Rodgers says he feared Achilles injury would end career

Reflecting on what he referred to as a “wild 12 months,” New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted he harbored darkish ideas within the quick aftermath of his season-ending Achilles tear on Sept. 11.

“I used to be actually pondering, ‘That is it. You do not come again from this harm,'” Rodgers, 40, mentioned in a two-hour interview on the “I Can Fly” podcast, which dropped Tuesday.

Rodgers, who obtained choked up at one level, described a curler coaster of feelings. He mentioned the commerce to the Jets, after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, restored his ardour for soccer. He referred to as his Jets debut among the best moments of his profession — and the worst.

His night time started when he ran out with the American flag in the course of the pregame introductions, which he referred to as “one of many highest highs in my sporting profession.” Minutes later, on the Jets’ first possession of the season, he was carted off with a season-ending harm.

“I had this unbelievable offseason expertise in a brand new metropolis, a brand new city, with new teammates, a brand new group, an proprietor for the primary time, and actually falling again in love with the sport that I first fell in love with once I was 5 years previous,” he mentioned. “It was completely lovely and particular and deep and wealthy and yummy, and simply unbelievable.

“After which, one of the crucial heartbreaking nights of my life, once I performed 4 performs. Discuss an ego loss of life.”

Rodgers tried to return late within the season — he really practiced on a restricted foundation — however his comeback was aborted when the Jets (7-10) fell out of competition. Practically seven months faraway from surgical procedure, the four-time MVP is anticipated to take part in OTA practices subsequent month, in accordance with coach Robert Saleh.

Reflecting on the day after his harm, when he flew dwelling to California with just a few shut buddies, Rodgers turned emotional and paused a second to assemble himself. “I mentioned, ‘I need assistance. That is going to be actually robust. I simply want you all to be there for me on the robust days once I cease believing it is doable,'” he mentioned, recalling what he informed his buddies.

“It is exhausting to ask for assist.”

By then, the “doomsday” state of affairs of by no means enjoying once more had light away, mentioned Rodgers, who shifted his focus to surgical procedure and restoration. Trying again on the ordeal, he mentioned he is grateful for the various positives that occurred.

“As s—ty because it was — and it was probably the most heartbreaking factor that is ever occurred to me — all of the miracles that occurred alongside the best way by no means would’ve occurred,” he mentioned, including that “a lot modified” in his life over the previous six months.

“I had this unbelievable offseason expertise in a brand new metropolis, a brand new city, with new teammates, a brand new group, an proprietor for the primary time, and actually falling again in love with the sport that I first fell in love with once I was 5 years previous. … After which, one of the crucial heartbreaking nights of my life, once I performed 4 performs. Discuss an ego loss of life.”

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers mentioned he discovered essential classes alongside the best way, permitting him to turn out to be “a greater model” of himself. He additionally talked about the “unbelievable angels” who assisted throughout his rehab, everybody from his bodily therapist to his chef.

Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, mentioned not too long ago that he desires to play wherever from two to 4 extra years.

“I am enthusiastic about enjoying once more,” he mentioned. “I really like enjoying. I fell again in love with the sport after which I had it taken away after 4 performs. I miss being on the market, I really like competing.

“Soccer is my glad place. That is the place I really feel most in command of my athletic means. I missed that final 12 months, I actually, actually missed it. My coronary heart was damaged. I am enthusiastic about taking the sector another time and — not life or loss of life — going to battle with my guys.”

For the primary time, Rodgers acknowledged that he was a “finalist” to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s operating mate for the 2024 presidential election. Jets proprietor Woody Johnson addressed the topic Monday in an interview with Fox Information.

“He’s getting again to soccer one hundred pc,” Johnson mentioned. “He by no means left soccer. That was a momentary distraction, possibly like going at the hours of darkness room or no matter. However he is again one hundred pc.”