Rich Cimini, an ESPN Staff Writer, covers the New York Jets and the NFL. With over 30 years of experience covering the Jets, Rich joined ESPN in 2010. He also hosts the Flight Deck podcast and is a graduate of Syracuse University. Follow him on Twitter @RichCimini.
In Santa Clara, California, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers wowed his teammates and coaches during a practice with a no-look pass to wide receiver Garrett Wilson. After a devastating injury last season, Rodgers is set to make his return against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, marking one of the most anticipated moments of the NFL season.
Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, is aiming to defy conventional norms by attempting a regular-season pass as a quadragenarian. His comeback from a left Achilles tear has sparked conversations across the league, with many questioning whether he still has the magic that made him one of the greats. With a legacy on the line and the Jets relying on him to end their championship drought, Rodgers faces a challenging road ahead.
As Rodgers prepares for his re-debut, former teammates and football legends offer their insights on his comeback. With a long layoff and a serious injury to overcome, Rodgers must prove to himself and the world that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The road to redemption will not be easy, but Rodgers is determined to show that age is just a number in the world of professional football. Testaverde sat in a private box, flooded with memories. “In the back of my mind, until I was going full speed, I was always thinking, ‘Is this going to happen again?'” Testaverde said recently, reflecting on his own experience. “Once you go through some of the things, start running and make some of the cuts and some of the throws, you’re like, ‘All right, I’m back. Let’s get going.’”
The following season, Testaverde started every game and threw a league-high 590 passes. Despite his injury (similar to Rodgers, he tore his left Achilles), Testaverde stated that there were no negative effects, although he did lead the NFL with 25 interceptions.
The likelihood of Rodgers re-tearing his Achilles is around 2%, no higher than if it had not been previously injured, according to Dr. Stephen Silver, chair of sports medicine and orthopedics at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.
Favre praised his former teammate Rodgers, saying, “There’s probably not a better playmaker starting in the league right now — even at his age.” Favre highlighted Rodgers’ football IQ and predicted success for him with the Jets.
Many believe Rodgers will continue to excel due to his extensive experience and accomplishments in the NFL. However, some question whether his performance in the 2022 season was a sign of decline. At 41 years old, Rodgers faces challenges such as a demanding early schedule and potential physical limitations.
Despite these concerns, Rodgers remains a talented quarterback. However, age and injury may impact his abilities on the field. As he prepares to return from his Achilles injury, many are curious to see how he will perform in the upcoming season. “Creo que esos factores motivadores van a ser clave para sacar lo mejor de Aaron Rodgers este año. No importa cómo juegue, sabemos lo que los aficionados al fútbol y otros seguirán haciendo. Mirarlo.”
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La publicación Aaron Rodgers busca desafiar las probabilidades en el segundo año con los Jets apareció primero en World Online.