Aaron Rodgers Said He Feared His Career Was Done On Night of Achilles Injury

Aaron Rodgers gave his fans a look inside his thoughts on the night that he tore his Achilles tendon, which ended his 2023 season after one offensive drive. Appearing on the "I Can Fly" podcast, Rodgers shared his somber thoughts about the unfortunate Week 1 injury.

Rodgers' Achilles tear was the storyline that shook up the league. His addition to the Jets fomented Super Bowl-level expectations, ultimately shattered when the veteran quarterback (who spent 18 memorable seasons in Green Bay) went down.

Rodgers' comments showed a vulnerable side to the laid-back NFLer.

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"I was really thinking, 'This is it. You don't come back from this injury," Rodgers said, now 40 years old and confident of a comeback campaign next season.

The aura of the ‘Championship or Bust’ New York Jets immediately left the team with Rodgers' injury. 

Audiences around the league tuning into the Monday Night Football matchup against the Bills wondered if the seasoned Rodgers still had another season in him. 

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets runs onto the field with an American flag during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Rodgers and the Jets made a memorable appearance that night, running out with the American Flag to remember the tragedy of 9/11.

He added, "I was heartbroken on September 11th in the locker room thinking my career might be over and that's how I'm gonna go out," the quarterback said. "One of the highest highs in my sporting career, running on the field on 9/11 with an American flag, which I had never done in my life. 

"After all the beauty, the summer and 'Hard Knocks' and a new team and just being in New Jersey and the excitement, talking to their amazing fanbase and just feeling just the energy and the momentum building and then that."

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets sacked by defensive end Leonard Floyd of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of the NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Picking himself up from the bitter memory of Week 1, Rodgers said the process of getting back on the field has only made him hungrier for a championship. 

Based on his comments, Rodgers isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. Expect to see real vigor from Rodgers next season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets is helped off the field for an apparent injury during a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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