Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, in his first public comments since a season-ending Achilles injury, wrote on Instagram that he’s “completely heartbroken,” before concluding his post, “The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”
— New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in his first public comments since his season-ending Achilles injury, said he’s down, but apparently not out.
“I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love,” Rodgers wrote Wednesday in a post on his Instagram page. “Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”
A post shared by Aaron Rodgers (@aaronrodgers12)
Rodgers’ comments came shortly after Jets coach Robert Saleh and owner Woody Johnson both indicated they expect the four-time MVP to return in 2024.
“I’d be shocked if this is the way he’s going to go out,” Saleh told reporters.
The 39-year-old quarterback, the oldest player in the NFL, faces several months of grueling rehab after tearing his left Achilles tendon on his fourth snap of the season in Monday night’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
Saleh said he hasn’t discussed the future with him, adding that Rodgers is “working through a whole lot of headspace things that he needs to deal with, and that will be the last thing I talk to him about.”
Before the injury, Rodgers had mentioned on numerous occasions that his goal was to play multiple years with the Jets. He’s signed through 2025, due to receive $38 million in guarantees in 2024.
About three hours before Rodgers’ post, Johnson chimed in on social media, saying, “The story is not over.