On Monday night, Aaron Rodgers started for the second time in two seasons as the quarterback for the New York Jets.
Last season, the four-time NFL MVP suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles on the fourth snap of the season-opening game against the Buffalo Bills.
After a year of rehabilitation, the 40-year-old returned to the field against the San Francisco 49ers almost a year after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Jets lost to the 49ers 32-19 on Monday night despite the 49ers' star running back Christian McCaffrey missing the game with a calf injury.
Rodgers appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and spoke about how he felt during and after the game.
“Yeah, my body held up,” he said. “I think I'll be able to play more comfortably from now on.”
“So the more I play, the more scrambles I have with each match, the more confident I get and the more relaxed I can really be. But I'm not 100% [confident]Maybe every week I can do a little bit more.”
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers plays during the second half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobson)
Before the game, the quarterback reflected on his journey back to the field.
“It's been a long journey. I've been thinking about everything that's happened over the last year,” he said early in the game. “Tomorrow marks one year since my injury. My life has changed a lot over the last year, so I'm just filled with gratitude.”
“A lot of things hit me. [my] “My 20th season, the rehab I've been through, all the ups and downs of last year.”
Rodgers threw for 167 yards and a touchdown on a pass to former Green Bay Packers teammate Allen Lazard, as well as an interception in the third quarter.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks onto the field after a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobson)
Rodgers was asked about the condition of his Achilles tendon.
“I actually felt good, I only took two shots,” he said. “I got hit by a guy on the inside, I got sacked once, but that was it. I felt like my pass protection was pretty good all night, and I think I'll be more comfortable going forward.”
The Jets will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at 1pm ET.
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