Getty Image / Michael Owens
In the history of modern American sports, the season-ending injury suffered by Aaron Rodgers just four snaps into his New York Jets regular season debut against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. On Thursday evening, Aaron Rodgers announced that his surgery to repair the torn Achilles he suffered.
Rodgers announced it on his Instagram story.
Aaron Rodgers underwent surgery yesterday for his torn Achilles, per his Instagram.
Get well soon, No. 8⃣! pic.twitter.com/FoFFYbMpPx
— Just Jets (@just_jets) September 15, 2023
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team doctor for Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Rams, peformed the surgery.
The injury truly shook the sports world, and it was one of those rare Twitter moments that it seems like everyone is watching the same thing, even though that’s obviously not the case.
After all, Aaron Rodgers was supposed to be the New York Jets’ answer at quarterback after years and years of futility at the most important position on the field. The team started 5-2 last year, only to be derailed by terrible quarterback play by 2021 #1 overall pick Zach Wilson.
But, when Rodgers decided his tenure in Green Bay that led to four MVP’s and a Super Bowl was over and decided on the Jets as his next destination, Jets fans started to think about a Lombardi Trophy coming to the franchise for the first time since Joe Namath won Super Bowl III.
After all, it’s a loaded roster. The defense is stacked with stars all over the place. Quinnen Williams, CJ Mosley, and Sauce Gardner are all among the best at their respective positions, with no real weak spots on the unit.
And, the offense, while having issues on the offensive line, has great skill guys like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. But, now, they will have to rely on Zach Wilson, who has remarkably thrown for more interceptions than touchdowns, 11 to 9, through his first 646 pass attempts in the league than touchdowns.
The injury to Aaron Rodgers has also sparked a big conversation on NFL stadiums having turf rather than natural grass fields, which studies have shown are safer. The NFLPA and key players have come out in favor of all owners going to natural grass. It is notable that NFL owners are more than willing to put in grass fields when big-time soccer clubs come to town.
Aaron Rodgers is expected to be back for the start of next season. Though, at 40 years old for next season, it’s unknown how much of his ability the injury will sap from him.
The Jets take on the Cowboys Sunday.