Reflecting on what he known as a “wild 12 months,” New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted he harbored darkish ideas within the rapid 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 Inexperienced Bay Packers, restored his ardour for soccer. He known as his Jets debut the most effective moments of his profession — and the worst.
His night time started when he ran out with the American flag through the pregame introductions, which he known 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.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
“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 once I was 5 years previous,” he mentioned. “It was completely stunning and particular and deep and wealthy and yummy, and simply unimaginable.
“After which, one of the heartbreaking nights of my life, once I performed 4 performs. Speak about an ego demise.”
Rodgers tried to return late within the season — he truly 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, in keeping with coach Robert Saleh.
Reflecting on the day after his harm, when he flew house to California with just a few shut associates, 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 instructed his associates.
“It is laborious to ask for assist.”
By then, the “doomsday” state of affairs of by no means enjoying 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 various positives that occurred.
“As s—ty because it was — and it was essentially the most heartbreaking factor that is ever occurred to me — all of the miracles that occurred alongside the way in which 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 once I was 5 years previous. … After which, one of the heartbreaking nights of my life, once I performed 4 performs. Speak about an ego demise.”
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers mentioned he realized essential classes alongside the way in which, 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 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 completely satisfied place. That is the place I really feel most accountable 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 sphere yet another 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 the hours of darkness room or no matter. However he is again 100%.”
