Talking to McAfee, Rodgers Vows to 'Shock Some People' on Comeback Trail
When Aaron Rodgers appears on The Pat McAfee Show, it usually means good news for New York Jets' fans.
The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback initially announced his intention to play for the Green & White during the March 15 edition of the midday show. Almost exactly six months later, Rodgers made another guest appearance on the former NFL punter's program and once again lifted the spirits of Jets' supporters everywhere.
Only two days removed from surgery to repair the Achilles rupture that he suffered in the Monday Night Football season opener, the 39-year-old field general sounded ready to face the challenges presented by the rehabilitation process.
"I think what I'd like to say is give me the doubts, give me the timetables, give me all the things that you think can, should or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration," said Rodgers. "Give me your doubts, give me your prognostications and then watch what I do."
The four-time NFL MVP said he knew, from the start, that he had a grueling road awaiting him.
"Before even an MRI, I knew what happened. I knew I had torn my Achilles. I had popped my calf a few times and this was not that sensation. I knew right away this was not a good situation,” said Rodgers. ”There's a lot of ideas at the overall length of the rehab. Just because somebody hasn't done it a certain way doesn't mean it's not possible.”
Rodgers, who will turn 40 years old on December 2, is already attacking the comeback trail.
"My entire focus and dedication is acquiring the most information, and, then, adding to what I've already put together as a pretty good rehab plan that is going to shock some people," said Rodgers.
In what had to be a shock to some viewers, Rodgers did not rule out an ultra-quick return in time for the NFL Playoffs.
"What's happening? Are you coming back for the playoffs this year?" asked McAfee point blank.
"I'm not gonna make any of those statements. I don't feel like that's fair to myself," said Rodgers as show co-host AJ Hawk, a former Green Bay Packers' linebacker, peppered him with another question.
"Is it a possibility?" said Hawk.
"I think as Kevin Garnett said, 'Anything's possible,'" answered Rodgers. "It doesn't do anything to make prognostications, honestly, other than help my own personal mental state. I'm gonna try and push this thing as much as it'll allow me to. I gotta see where I'm at after a week, in two weeks, in a month, in two months and then we'll see what the conversation is from there."
Friday marks the third day in a row that Rodgers has issued a positive message that is sure to resonate with his supporters. On Wednesday, he made his first public comments since the injury, doing so through a social media post that ended on an inspirational note.
"The night is darkest before dawn. And I shall rise yet again. Proud of my guys, 1-0," said Rodgers in the caption section of a photo posted to his @aaronrodgers12 Instagram main feed.
On Thursday, he shared the news of his successful surgery using the Instagram story feature.
"Surgery went great yesterday. Thank you for all the love and prayers and support. And thanks to the 🐐 Dr ElAttrache and his staff for starting me on the road to recovery ❤️," said Rodgers in a text overlay on a photo of the quarterback smiling in a hospital bed.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is headquartered in Los Angeles, is considered an industry leader and has operated on multiple superstar athletes.
"I knew that [the late] Kobe [Bryant] had done his Achilles. I had forgotten that he had gotten surgery the next day," said Rodgers. "I have a friendship going back many years with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Neal worked on my collarbone back in '17. I had already texted him from the locker room [on Monday night] and was wondering how quickly we could get this done. I didn't want to waste any time."
While Rodgers progresses through the rehab process, he'll continue to make weekly appearances (Tuesdays) on The Pat McAfee Show.
READ MORE:
Hackett Gives Two-Word Answer on Rodgers's Future with Jets
FA Quarterbacks Available to Reinforce Jets' Depth Chart
Cruel Mix of Emotions for Jets' Fans at MetLife Stadium
Jets Lose Rodgers But Win Season Opener in Walk-off Fashion
