Aaron Rodgers, the star quarterback for the New York Jets, promised on Wednesday to “rise yet again” after suffering an Achilles tendon injury on Monday that will keep him out for the whole season.
Rogers, 39, a four-time NFL MVP winner and future Hall of Famer, was injured shortly after making his Jets debut. One of the league’s most anticipated offseason additions, he joined the Jets, and some analysts predicted the squad would have a strong playoff run.
He will now focus on getting healthy rather than playing on the field.
The day after the incident, he said on social media, “I’m completely heartbroken and going through all of the emotions, yet deeply touched & humbled by the support and love.” As I start the healing process today, kindly keep me in your prayers and thoughts.
His coach said last week that surgery would be necessary for his injury. One of the most difficult injuries an athlete can sustain is a tear to the Achilles tendon, which joins the calf muscles to the heel.
The injury may make it more difficult to sprint, jump, stop, and start quickly—all physical skills required to play in the NFL.
To fully heal, extensive physical therapy and rehab are required.
Rodgers suffered an injury after just four snaps. The Jets eventually defeated the Buffalo Bills 22-16 in overtime.
In his social media post, he expressed gratitude to everyone who had been in touch and stated that he was already thinking ahead.
“Thank you to everyone who has gotten in touch with me—by phone, text, DM, through a friend, etc. I’ll do my best to get back to each of you shortly. It has meant a lot to me,” he added.
There will be better days, said Rodgers.
“Prior to dawn, the darkness is the darkest. And I will get up once more.
Rodgers played for the Green Bay Packers for the entirety of his professional career prior to this one, helping them to a Super Bowl victory in 2011.