Aaron Rodgers to Doubters After Achilles Surgery: ‘Watch What I Do’
The odds would appear to be stacked against Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
On Monday, Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon during New York’s 22–16 overtime win over the Bills. The catastrophic injury seems likely to sideline Rodgers for the season, perhaps dealing a critical blow to the Jets' goal of Super Bowl contention in 2023.
However, even at the age of 39, Rodgers remains steadfast in the belief that he will return to play for New York sooner rather than later—a sentiment he expressed to former Colts punter Pat McAfee on his eponymous ESPN show Friday afternoon.
"Give me all the timetables. Give me all the things you think can, should or would happen, because all I need is that extra little one percent of inspiration," Rodgers said. "Give me your doubts, give me your prognostications, and then watch what I do."
The typical recovery for an Achilles injury in the NFL is 9–12 months, with younger players generally recovering quicker. In 2021, Rams running back Cam Akers returned to action just five and a half months after his injury, although he did so in his age-22 season.
