The New York Jets went into the 2023 season with their highest expectations in years only to see newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers go down with an injury just four plays into his Jets debut.
Right after the injury occurred, the immediate speculation was that Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury. On Tuesday, those worries were confirmed with an MRI revealing that Rodgers ruptured his Achilles tendon, ending his season.
Even as Jets head coach Robert Saleh voiced his support for Rodgers and now-starting quarterback Zach Wilson, we had yet to hear from Rodgers himself. That changed on Wednesday.
For the first time since his injury, Rodgers took to Instagram and offered a reflection on the entire ordeal. The 39-year-old quarterback also implied that this wouldn’t be the end for him (while quoting a Batman villain in the process).
He wrote:
Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon 🥹❤️
I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. 💔 Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today. 🙏 ♾️ ❤️The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.
Proud of my guys, 1-0
Fans also had thoughts on Rodgers’ post.
This was how Twitter reacted
Can’t go out like that. Can’t wait to see him back. https://t.co/KV9J3cZn4E
— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) September 13, 2023
Aaron Rodgers next September: https://t.co/WtSbR1qmGk pic.twitter.com/d11bRDg6Ks
— Yuri (@MR___Yuri) September 13, 2023
Jet winning super bowl next year. book it https://t.co/IHWI1rWzME
— Luis Alvarez (@RawwHoneyy) September 13, 2023
The Dark Knight WILL return it seems👀 https://t.co/i9qSvdMQyk
— Amiliano “Amil” Fragoso (@AmilianoFragoso) September 13, 2023
Good god. He thinks he’s Harvey Dent. https://t.co/1S1k47rfmM pic.twitter.com/I7pTs8WdIO
— Seann Anderson ✭ (@seannanderson) September 13, 2023
Does this mean he is confirming he will be back next year?👀 https://t.co/BzqMfKyLmq
— The Rational Football League Show (@TheRFLShow) September 13, 2023
That’s my QB💚. Rest up King, we’re all waiting for that return 💪. Comeback player of the year incoming https://t.co/JMqIgy6YjS
— Thomas Jackowitz (@ThomasJackowitz) September 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/redhairedmj/status/1702081965535416541
Absolutely love he’s going to try to make a comeback https://t.co/KRmC0jNoYw
— Michael Allen 🧀 (@MichaelAllenNFL) September 13, 2023