Reflecting on what he referred to as a “wild 12 months,” New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted he harbored darkish ideas within the fast aftermath of his season-ending Achilles tear on Sept. 11.
“I used to be actually considering, ‘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 received choked up at one level, described a curler coaster of feelings. He mentioned the commerce to the Jets, after 18 seasons with the Inexperienced 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 evening started when he ran out with the American flag throughout 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 unimaginable 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the primary time, and actually falling again in love with the sport that I first fell in love with after I was 5 years outdated,” he mentioned. “It was completely lovely and particular and deep and wealthy and yummy, and simply unimaginable.
“After which, one of the crucial heartbreaking nights of my life, after I performed 4 performs. Discuss an ego demise.”
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 rivalry. Almost seven months faraway from surgical procedure, the four-time MVP is predicted to take part in OTA practices subsequent month, based on coach Robert Saleh.
Reflecting on the day after his harm, when he flew dwelling to California with a couple of shut mates, Rodgers grew to become emotional and paused a second to collect himself. “I mentioned, ‘I need assistance. That is going to be actually powerful. I simply want you all to be there for me on the powerful days after I cease believing it is attainable,'” he mentioned, recalling what he informed his mates.
“It is laborious to ask for assist.”
By then, the “doomsday” situation of by no means taking part in once more had pale away, mentioned Rodgers, who shifted his focus to surgical procedure and restoration. Wanting again on the ordeal, he mentioned he is grateful for the numerous 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 unimaginable 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 after I was 5 years outdated. … After which, one of the crucial heartbreaking nights of my life, after I performed 4 performs. Discuss an ego demise.”
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers mentioned he discovered essential classes alongside the best way, permitting him to grow to be “a greater model” of himself. He additionally talked about the “unimaginable angels” who assisted throughout his rehab, everybody from his bodily therapist to his chef.
Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, mentioned lately that he needs to play anyplace from two to 4 extra years.
“I am enthusiastic about taking part in once more,” he mentioned. “I like taking part in. 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 like competing.
“Soccer is my completely happy place. That is the place I really feel most answerable for my athletic skill. I missed that final 12 months, I actually, actually missed it. My coronary heart was damaged. I am enthusiastic about taking the sector yet one more time and — not life or demise — going to battle with my guys.”
For the primary time, Rodgers acknowledged that he was a “finalist” to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s working 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 100%,” Johnson mentioned. “He by no means left soccer. That was a momentary distraction, possibly like going at midnight room or no matter. However he is again 100%.”
