Aaron Rodgers at Jets Game for First Time Since Season-Ending Injury, Chats with Travis Kelce & Patrick Mahomes
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BRIAN PRAHL / SPLASHNEWS.COM
Aaron Rodgers made his first appearance at a New York Jets game since his season-ending injury as the Kansas City Chiefs played the quarterback’s team on Sunday.
Rodgers, 39, was spotted on crutches chatting with Patrick Mahomes in a video the Jets shared on X . The quarterbacks could be seen giving each other a high five on the field.
While Rodgers was acting sportsmanlike with the opponent, he was also captured on video catching up with Nick Mangold on the Jets’ sideline.
Rodgers’ 2023-24 NFL season ended near the beginning of the first quarter of his first game with the team. After Rodgers was sacked by Buffalo Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd, he was helped off the field by staff members and underwent an MRI.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets is looked at by the medical staff on the field for an apparent injury during a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
MICHAEL OWENS/GETTY
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Rodgers posted a statement on Instagram addressing the injury himself for the first time shortly after, vowing to “rise again” after doctors confirmed he tore his left Achilles.
“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc.,” he wrote. “It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon 🥹❤️.” The athlete continued by opening up about how he was feeling.
“I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love,” he added. “💔 Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today. 🙏 ♾️ ❤️.”
Rodgers ended the post by congratulating his team for their 22-16 victory against the Bills, writing, “The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again. Proud of my guys, 1-0 🛩️ .”
Days after season-ending injury, Rodgers opened up in an interview on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday about how he is processing the events.
“It hit me like a ton of bricks for 24 hours,” Rodgers said. “There were moments of just sobbing. There was a lot of anger, like why? Why is this happening?”
“Before I even had an MRI, I knew what happened. I knew I had torn my Achilles,” he added. “I knew right away this was not a good situation.”