Aaron Rodgers Is Optimistic About Continuing in the NFL Beyond 2024 Despite Ankle Injury
Despite a season-ending ankle injury, Aaron Rodgers dismisses the notion that 2024 will be his final NFL season The New York Jets quarterback shares his future plans, hinting at a longer career in the league
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Aaron Rodgers‘ ankle injury may have put him on the bench for the 2024 NFL season, but he doesn’t plan on staying there for long.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 40, discussed the possibility of this season being his "last dance" on a recent episode of "The Pat McAfee Show." His response to host Pat McAfee was a simple "I don't think so."
Having joined the Jets this year, Rodgers mentioned that he has regained his passion for the game and has had an incredible experience with the team and the people he has been working with.
Rodgers was with the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2022. On Tuesday, he expressed his desire for "at least two years" with the Jets before making a final decision. Despite tearing his Achilles in September, he feels that 2024 has been a "lost year" in his career.
"I don’t think next year will be my last year," he remarked. "With the knowledge I’ve gained in the past year and my focus on nutrition and functional training, I believe I can play into my 40s and still perform at a high level. It's crazy because I used to think I'd be retired by 40, but now I want to be a starting player at 40, at 41, and beyond. I want to see what this body is truly capable of."
For now, his focus is on providing support to his teammates from the sidelines. "I believe the future looks very promising in New Jersey for our guys, and we will end the season on a positive note," Rodgers expressed. "It will be a long offseason, no doubt, but I have faith in the men on our team, I appreciate their integrity, and we just need to add a few more pieces to the puzzle to achieve our goals."
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, is seen passing the ball while warming up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023. Additionally, Rodgers provided an update on his recovery, stating that he is steadily progressing and that although he's not at 100 percent, he would definitely be pushing to play if he were.
In September, Rodgers expressed his deep sadness about his injury on Instagram. He posted pictures from his first official game as the Jets’ QB, saying "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."
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The California native had surgery recently and started practicing again on November 29th. Coach Robert Saleh revealed on Monday, December 18th that Rodgers is eager to play and has been putting in a lot of effort to get back on the field, as reported by ESPN. The practice window for Rodgers will end on Wednesday, December 20th.
Saleh, who is 44 years old, added, "Aaron's commitment to playing, even when he's not at full strength, is his top priority. He wants to be out there, but I won't discuss it with anyone until he's officially given the green light."
