2024-01-05 23:12:02
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets only lasted four plays. The impact of it was felt much more widespread.
The 40-year-old quarterback was chosen by his Jets teammates as the winner of the Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational Award on Friday for his continued leadership during his rehabilitation from a torn left Achilles tendon that ended his career. your season.
“It’s just the effect he’s had on the locker room in such a short amount of time that’s why I think he won this award and why all the guys here voted for him,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said. “It says a lot about him and how he’s approached becoming a Jets player and being here with us, whether he’s on the field or not.”
Rodgers was injured in the season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 11, but immediately focused on trying to make an unlikely return from an injury that typically takes players six to nine months to fully recover.
The four-time NFL MVP reportedly underwent a “quick bridge” procedure, an internal brace on the Achilles tendon, which helps speed up the recovery process. He was trying to recover from that injury faster than any known professional athlete.
Rodgers made a breakthrough, rejoining the team in Week 12 after rehabbing primarily in the Los Angeles area, and the Jets opened their training window with the team on Nov. 29. He maintained that he aimed to return to the field this season, but the condition was that New York remained in the fight for the playoffs. After the Jets (6-10) were eliminated from the race and knowing he wasn’t 100% healthy, Rodgers focused on getting ready for next season.
The Jets activated him from injured reserve on December 20, although he would not play again this season, so he could continue training with his teammates.
The award is named for the late Byrd, whose career was cut short in 1992 due to a broken neck.
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