The New York Jets started their new season with a bang by clinching a phenomenal 22-16 win over the Buffalo Bills in their season-opening game on Monday. However, the Jets fans couldn’t even enjoy the victory as their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon on his fourth snap of the season.
Rodgers’ injury has been the hot topic of discussion in the NFL world over the last few days. From former and current players to fans and analysts, everyone couldn’t help expressing condolences for the quarterback. Now, the four-time MVP himself has shed light on his misfortune amid the regular season.
Rodgers breaks silence with inspirational message after injury
Aaron Rodgers didn’t remain quiet for long and decided to provide his take on his injury by sharing a post on Instagram on Wednesday. He started his post by thanking all of those who have been sending him well wishes in this crucial time.
“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try to get back to all of you soon.”
The second part of his post was truly agonizing for football lovers where the 39-year-old star discussed how heartbroken he had been feeling. The veteran also urged fans to continue showering their blessing on him till he could bounce back healthy on the field.
“I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.”
However, A-Rod isn’t someone to lose hope so easily. He showcased full optimism to return to the field donning a green and white jersey and also boasted of their victory against the Bills.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again. Proud of my guys, 1-0.”
Before the dual-threat’s heart-breaking post, his team’s head coach Robert Saleh said he didn’t expect the QB1 to retire following his season-ending surgery. He also hoped that the ex-Packers star would remain connected to the Jets and his backup Zach Wilson, as they proceed through the regular season without him.
Experts believe the athletic resilience of Aaron Rodgers
The Jets have been suffering from a lengthy Lombardi trophy drought since 1969. Rodgers brought a ray of hope in the Big Apple for a potential Super Bowl run, albeit in his absence the hope has started to fade. Fans are dubious of the possibility of his successful comeback in the upcoming season.
However, three orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine stated that the 10-time Pro Bowler will likely need 9-12 months to recover from his torn Achilles tendon. If the timetable remains accurate, he can be a starter for the Jets in the next season.
Everyone has been doubting if the signal-caller can continue his former track record of performance after his treatment. However, David McAllister, the UCLA athletic department’s head team physician, said it would not be completely impossible to match his earlier performance level, given advanced surgical techniques and aggressive rehab strategies.
“I’m optimistic that he can be the same type of athlete he was before. He’s going to have to go through a rough year of a lot of rehabilitation, but if he’s still as motivated and driven as he’s always been, then I think it’s likely he can return at a very high level.”
Rodgers’ surgery will be conducted to suture the ends of his tendon together in a way that the tension can match that of his other Achilles. Athletes’ legs were immobilized almost 6-8 weeks earlier for this treatment, albeit Jason Bariteau, a foot and ankle specialist, said the process has become much more advanced and promising.
“If it’s immobilized 6-to-8 weeks, maybe there’s scarring around the tendon, and the athlete’s explosiveness never comes back. It’s the difference between being an All-Star and making the team. Those little, small percentages are everything.”
Edward Haupt, a Florida-based orthopedic surgeon, said that the Big Apple’s veteran is going to enjoy favor due to playing in a quarterback position as he doesn’t require the explosive lower-body movement.
These surgeons relieved fans by sharing optimistic words about Aaron Rodgers and a possible return next season. The dual-threat is not the only one to sustain such injury in his 30s, as Dan Marino (at 33) and Vinny Testaverde (at 35) also went through such misfortune and bounced back stronger to play several more years in the league.
What’s your take on Rodgers’ possible return to the field? Tell us in the comments.
