New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers dropped some major hints about his playing future on Friday during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."
Aaron Rodgers to @PatMcAfeeShow on whether he'll play next season: "I think what I'd like to say is give me the doubters... give me the timetable. Give me all the things that can, should or will happen. Give me your doubts, give your prognostications. And then watch what I do."
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 15, 2023
The near consensus on social media was that Rodgers' words mean he won't be retiring following his Achilles tear suffered in Week 1 on "Monday Night Football."
The four-time MVP described the injury and immediate aftermath as "one of the toughest stretches of (his) life," and it led to "a lot of sadness, a lot of tears, a lot of frustration, anger." Wednesday was a different story.
"Then the sun rose the next day, and I found myself in L.A. and had surgery on Wednesday," Rodgers said.
Friday's words come on the heels of Wednesday's social media post where he strongly hinted at a 2024 return and Thursday's message (including a post-surgery photo) saying he was "on the road to recovery."
When asked Friday whether he could make it back on the gridiron for a winter postseason run, Rodgers wouldn't deny the possibility and echoed the words of former Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett.
Aaron Rodgers was just asked by AJ Hawk on the @PatMcAfeeShow if he would be back for the playoffs THIS season.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) September 15, 2023
Rodgers: "As Kevin Garnett said, 'Anything's possible.'"
First, Gang Green would have to end the longest playoff drought in the four major professional sports and make their first tournament appearance since 2010.
For now, the Jets will roll with 24-year-old Zach Wilson under center.
The 2021 second overall pick came on in relief of Rodgers during the first quarter of the team's Week 1 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, finishing 14-for-21 for 140 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding four rushing attempts for six yards.
Wilson will face one of the biggest tests of his career in Week 2, when New York takes on the Dallas Cowboys and their daunting defense on the road at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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