Aaron Rodgers Amazes Doctors: Walks Crutch-Free Just 5 Weeks After Surgery, Coach Reveals His Unstoppable Drive
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is making remarkable progress in his rehab, impressing New York Jets coach Robert Saleh Rodgers is on a determined mission to recover swiftly and is surpassing expectations
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Aaron Rodgers sustained a significant injury during his first game as a New York Jet, but coach Robert Saleh says he’s already on the mend.
"He is determined to succeed and I have complete confidence in him," Saleh, 44, revealed to NBC Sports' Peter King on Monday, October 16. "I've heard that he is making remarkable progress in his rehabilitation and has a strong desire to return this year."
Prior to the Jets' game on Sunday, October 15, Rodgers, 39, was observed walking unaided and actively participating in throwing drills alongside his fellow teammates.
“Aaron visited our facility on Saturday,” Saleh continued. “While conversing with him, I asked, ‘Will you be observing the game from the box tomorrow?’ He responded, ‘No, I prefer to be on the field.’ Concerned about his ankle, I queried, ‘What about your ankle?’ He assured me, ‘I’m fine.’ I acquiesced, saying, ‘Alright, whatever you want, buddy.’”
Robert Saleh Perry Knotts/Getty Images
During his inaugural regular season game with the Jets this year, Rodgers suffered a rupture in his Achilles tendon. Following immediate surgery, his chances of returning this season appear slim.
Later in September, Rodgers announced his intention to make a comeback in football in the future, even if he cannot return to the field this season.
"I don't want to set a specific timeline. My priority is to regain my health," he mentioned during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show. He acknowledged that players with similar injuries have returned to the game after four to eight months. "However, I will commit myself to comprehensive rehabilitation to ensure I am prepared to play football again in the near future. That is my ultimate objective."
Rodgers joined the Jets in April, being traded from the Green Bay Packers after spending 18 seasons with them. Speculation about his retirement had been circulating for months.
In August, ahead of the NFL season's first week, Rodgers expressed his feelings about the situation to ABC News. He likened it to waking up in a dream and described it as a beautiful dream. He admitted that many times, when you have a wonderful dream, you wake up longing to go back to it but can never quite get back into it. However, in his case, he felt like he had woken up inside that dream and emphasized how truly special the experience has been.
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Shortly after, his aspirations were shattered, less than a month later. Following the untimely termination of his inaugural season as a Jet due to injury, Rodgers expressed his gratitude to all those who had reached out to him. Via Instagram, he stated, "I appreciate every person who has extended their support, whether it be through calls, texts, direct messages, or connections facilitated by friends. Your gestures have meant the world to me, and I will strive to respond to each one of you soon ️. While I am completely devastated and experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, I am profoundly touched and humbled by the backing and affection I have received."
