Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers Among Damian Lillard's Special Shoutouts in Press Conference 4 New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, and cornerback Sauce Gardner on the field before the Jets take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in East Rutherford.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers Among Damian Lillard’s Special Shoutouts in Press Conference

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 5:52 AM ET

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was among the names mentioned by NBA superstar point guard Damian Lillard on Monday, when he finally got officially re-introduced to the Portland Trail Blazers, as he returns to the team that welcomed him in the pros.

According to Lillard, he reached out to Rodgers after suffering a devastating lower-body injury during the first round series of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers. Lillard was later diagnosed with a torn Achilles, the same injury that immediately ended Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets in 2023.

Via Trail Blazers reporter Sean Highkin:

“Damian Lillard says he talked to Aaron Rodgers, Kevin Durant and Rudy Gay after he tore his Achilles to get perspective on how they fought through the rehab. ‘If it’s a mental battle, I don’t lose those. If it’s physical, it’s possible. But mental battles I don’t lose.’”

Lillard sought Aaron Rodgers for advice after suffering injury

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers Among Damian Lillard's Special Shoutouts in Press Conference 5 May 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) hugs NBA player Damian Lillard after her game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Lillard, who turned 35 years old this month, was much younger than Rodgers at the time they suffered their injuries. Rodgers can be an inspiration for Lillard, as the 41-year-old quarterback managed to come back and play for the Jets in 2024, passing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions while playing all 17 games in the regular season.

Lillard might need to miss the entire 2025-26 season to recuperate from his injury, but he can be expected to return and suit up for the Blazers, who reunited with the nine-time NBA All-Star on a three-year contract worth $42 million.

As for Rodgers, he’s not done yet either, as he is now the QB1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers Among Damian Lillard's Special Shoutouts in Press Conference 6 Dec 4, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and quarterback Jordan Love (10) during warmups before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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