New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers Training in L.A. Ahead of Workouts: 'I Fell Back in Love!'

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is making significant progress in his recovery from last season’s Achilles injury, which has him thinking about extending his playing career.

East Rutherford, NJ August 26, 2023 -- Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) / Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA

As the New York Jets prepare to begin phase 1 of their offseason workout program, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is making rapid progress in his return from offseason surgery. 

The 40-year-old quarterback was recently spotted running and working out with members of the USC football team in a nearby Los Angeles-area neighborhood. 

New York acquired Rodgers via trade with the Green Bay Packers last offseason [along with the ' first and fifth-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft] in exchange for their first, second and sixth-round selections in the 2023 draft and a conditional second-round selection in 2024.

However, he suffered a ruptured Achilles on just his fourth offensive snap of the season. Though he missed nearly the entirety of his first season in New York, Rodgers appears ready to enter the upcoming season, based on photos obtained by the New York Post.

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to be getting back into shape as he is spotted doing a workout with the USC football team at the Santa Monica Stairs in Santa Monica, Calif. / London Entertainment / SplashNews.com

Despite having previously dismissed the idea of playing into his mid-40s — akin to that of longtime Jets’ nemesis Tom Brady, who retired last offseason at age 45 — Rodgers has now similarly embraced a strong dedication to a healthy diet, fluid intake, and overall conditioning to optimize his performance on the field. Though the four-time NFL MVP acknowledged his need for “some good fortune” to reach his self-professed newfound milestone, he believes that his improvements will allow him the chance to succeed. 

“I’m excited about playing again,” Rodgers recently said on the “I Can Fly” podcast. “I love playing. I fell back in love with the game and then I had it taken away after four plays. I miss being out there, I love competing.”

While Rodgers remains steadfast in his quest, there are factors which may serve as obstacles in the near future. For starters, the five-time All Pro has recently dealt with his share of health issues. Aside from a broken clavicle — which forced him to miss nine games as the Green Bay Packers starter in 2017 — Rodgers also suffered both a broken thumb on his throwing hand and a rib injury in 2022, his final season with the Packers. Prior to his Achilles injury, Rodgers dealt with a calf injury for much of Jets training camp in 2023. 

The Jets will commence their voluntary portion of their offseason program Monday. While Rodgers was a regular attendee last season, his status for this year’s phase — which is focused on strength and conditioning workouts and meetings — remains unknown. 

In the meantime, Rodgers will turn his attention to the upcoming season — his second with the Jets. Should he wish to extend his stay into a third (or beyond,) he must stay healthy and committed to leading Gang Green back to the playoffs.