In recent news from the gridiron trenches, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers spilled the beans on a rough year, describing how he spiraled into depression. He admitted to having su***dal thoughts in the immediate aftermath of his season-ending Achilles tear on Sept. 11, in a whirlwind of a run with the Jets.

The Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets in April 2023; the Jets have now lost eight straight seasons. Rodgers, who practically put the ‘frozen’ in the Frozen tundra during his iconic 18-season stint, gave a mind-numbing performance. However, the MVP powerhouse called his Jets debut one of the most defining moments of his career—and the worst. 

Aaron Rodgers reflects on his journey post Achilles tear

In a two-hour interview on the “I Can Fly” podcast, Aaron Rodgers reflected on his journey. Calling it a “wild year,” Jets QB got choked up, saying he couldn’t think much when he injured his Achilles. 

Rogers said his night began on a high note, sprinting out with the American flag during the pregame introductions. He described it as “one of the highest highs in my sporting career.” But just minutes later, as if the universe threw curveballs, he was carted off with a season-ending injury. Rodgers spoke candidly, “I had this incredible offseason experience in a new city, a new town, with new teammates, a new organization, an owner for the first time, and really falling back in love with the game that I first fell in love with when I was 5 years old. It was absolutely beautiful and special and deep and rich and yummy, and just incredible.”

Talking about the day after his injury, when he returned to California, A-Rod said he needed a moment to regain his composure. He further expressed his grief, calling the four plays one of the most heartbreaking nights of his life, as per ESPN. The NFL champ said, remembering what he told his friends, “I said, I need help. This is going to be really tough. I just need you all to be there for me on the tough days when I stop believing it’s possible.”

Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, beautifully embraced his lows and said he wants to be in the league for two to four more years. He did start practicing towards the tail-end of the last season and admitted that things feel a lot different now. The veteran QB is completely determined to make a solid comeback.

Jets’ Rodgers determination after Achilles setback

After a disastrous 2023 season with the NY Jets, where he was ruled out after an Achilles injury, Aaron Rodgers is all set to make a comeback this year. The lead QB is now in the process of preparing to get back into the fray after his recovery. Needless to say, it’s gonna be a big challenge seeing the team only had a 7-10 season while he was gone. 

A few days after suffering from an Achilles tear, Aaron Rodgers opened up, saying he would rise again. He also shed some light on what he did to speed up his recovery and get back to the pitch. Having turned to both traditional and non-traditional methods, he explained opting for a hyperbaric chamber. What’s more, his diet was rock solid, with a lot of bone broth. The QB also did full-time rehab for up to eight hours a day to increase healing as per reports by NFL.com.

Sure, last season was a roller coaster ride of emotions, but with the star QB back in action, let’s see how it turns out for the Jets! Will it bring stability or challenges? Only time will tell how this season unfolds.