The New York Jets made a bold move in the offseason when they traded for Aaron Rodgers, who frequently sparked retirement rumors and was also going to hit 40 after a few months. When the quarterback tore his Achilles at his debut match in the Big Apple, Gang Green’s fans couldn’t help lamenting over the potential loss.
Though the entire football community thought that they would have to wait till the next season to see Rodgers in action, the signal-caller showcased a miraculous return this season. As the Jets activated the QB in practice, some NFL analysts raised questions about the integrity of the veteran injury, which is normally labelled as a season-ending injury.
NFL journalist criticizes Rodgers’ comeback attempt
The highly anticipated return of Aaron Rodgers has stirred a wave of opinions from sports figures. While some influential personalities like NFL Insider Josina Anderson and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith advocated for caution, advising the QB to reconsider hastening his return to avoid jeopardizing the entire upcoming season, others expressed skepticism and accused him of seeking attention rather than focusing on genuine recovery.
The contrasting viewpoints took another turn when Gregg Doyel, a columnist from The Indy Star Sports, voiced skepticism about the severity of the four-time MVP’s injury. He asserted it wasn’t akin to the renowned Achilles tears suffered by athletes like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.
The veteran’s doubts about the injury’s gravity and A-Rod’s honesty in portraying it as a significant setback. He questioned the signal-caller’s rehabbing in a secret environment in Los Angeles while labeling him a “liar.”
“I don’t believe for a second he suffered a torn Achilles, at least not as we know what a torn Achilles is. Whatever Kevin Durant, Kobe, and Brandon Graham suffered, he did not. Because this procedure would be trumpeted as a breakthrough and not treated as a secret. Plus, he’s a liar,” he said via Gridiron Heroics.
Gregg was not alone, as NBA analyst Emmanuel Acho also slammed Aaron lately regarding his injury and quick comeback. He has openly criticized the QB by labeling him as someone craving attention.
“I think that Aaron Rodgers is a glutton for fame. He’s a glutton for attention. When you’re not being talked about, you have to find ways to be talked about,” he said.
After going through successful surgery following tearing his Achilles, Rodgers was seen returning to the sidelines on crutches and even throwing passes with his fellow teammates before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. After a few days, the vet was seen without crutches on the sidelines, and the NBA analyst said the moves were just for gaining attention rather than genuine recovery efforts.
Aaron Rodgers will celebrate his 40th birthday
Aaron Rodgers recently said his intent to emerge as a trending topic on his coming birthday, which falls on December 2nd. The four-time MVP is set to celebrate his 40th birthday this coming Saturday. His desire to return to the field is in line with his aspiration for the Jets to stay in playoff contention, which could potentially influence his decision to come back this season.
Following an 11-week recovery from Achilles tendon surgery, the QB commenced his 21-day practice window on Wednesday. Despite the personal guilt he feels for his injury following Zach Wilson’s struggle, Rodgers has showcased unwavering optimism about the possibility of a late-season return as he nears the conclusion of his illustrious career.
Expressing his ambition to return on September 12, the 10-time Pro Bowler discussed the importance of his health and the team’s playoff prospects in determining his comeback. He also shed light on his dedication after 77 days of relentless effort to get back on the field and compete alongside his teammates.
“From September 12, my goal was to come back to the practice field and try and play. Obviously, that was contingent on my health and also our team being in position to make a run. That’s why I worked so hard for those 77 days is to get back on the field, get back out there with the guys, and I love to compete”, Rodgers said.
Though the QB is currently taking a lighter practice regimen, he plans to intensify his training in the upcoming week. His approach involves pushing his rehabilitation to the brink without risking further injury. While acknowledging the delicate balance between his desire to return and his health status, the veteran stressed the need to prioritize being fully healthy before considering a comeback before the four-month mark.
“A comeback this year before the four month mark would mean I’m not 100% healthy, so it would be a risk for myself and team to sign off on,” Rodgers said. “If we are out of it, I would be surprised if they OK’d that to come back.”
Aaron Rodgers also said attempting an early return would jeopardize his well-being and pose a risk to the team’s success as well. Besides that, he hinted at the team’s role in deciding his comeback, suggesting that if they fall out of playoff contention, they might not endorse his return to safeguard both his and the team’s long-term interests.
What’s your take on this?
