Despite a season-ending injury last year, Aaron Rodgers has returned to the New York Jets' training camp with unwavering determination and exceptional form. The 40-year-old quarterback's recovery from a torn Achilles tendon has been remarkable, and he has showcased his sharp passing skills and leadership qualities throughout the camp's first nine practices.
Aaron Rodgers, the grizzled veteran and future Hall of Famer, has returned to the New York Jets' training camp with a renewed sense of purpose. Despite suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury last year after just four snaps, Rodgers has defied expectations and displayed the same zip and mobility that have defined his illustrious career.
Head coach Robert Saleh has been impressed with Rodgers' progress, noting that he looks like he has never missed any time. The 40-year-old quarterback has been consistent throughout camp, reminiscent of his first training camp with the Jets last summer.
Rodgers' swift recovery has been a testament to his unwavering work ethic and determination. The fact that he has been able to practice every day without any limitations has instilled optimism within the Jets' organization. Nearly 11 months after undergoing surgery, Rodgers appears ready to lead the team to new heights.
"He looks really good," Saleh said. "He's an impressive dude and he's a Hall of Famer for a reason."
During the Jets' recent scrimmage, Rodgers did not throw any touchdown passes, but his ability to move the offense up and down the field was evident. He orchestrated three field goal drives, showcasing his trademark methodical approach.
Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich have studied Rodgers' former team, the Green Bay Packers, to gain insights into his offensive style. They have been impressed by the Packers' ability to sustain long, clock-eating drives, and they believe that Rodgers can replicate that success in New York.
"We would always just be dumbfounded at why Green Bay would always have eight or nine drives in a game," Saleh said. "And today was an example — just so methodical down the field. An 18-play drive, an 11-play drive, a seven-play drive. Just long, methodical drives that eat up clock and get the game moving."
Despite his impressive recovery, Rodgers will not play in the Jets' first two preseason games. Saleh is cautious about exposing him to unnecessary risk, but the quarterback is using the scrimmage and upcoming joint practices as tuneups for the season.
Rodgers' return has created an age gap on the Jets' roster. At 40, he is the oldest player in the NFL, while rookie running back Braelon Allen is the youngest at 20. Allen was surprised to learn that he could literally be Rodgers' son.
"He was definitely a little tripped out about it at first when I first met him," Allen recalled. "But from what I had heard, he had saw some Wisconsin games in my freshman year, so he knew that I was playing at 17 or whatever. So that was really the first thing that he had said to me."
"But he was like, ‘First guy I’ve ever played with that could literally be my kid.’ So that that was pretty funny."
As the Jets prepare for the upcoming season, they are confident that Rodgers can lead them to success. His experience, leadership, and unwavering determination are invaluable assets to a team that is hungry to prove its worth.
