Aaron Rodgers voted most inspirational by Jets teammates،
Aaron Rodgers' first season with the New York Jets only lasted four games, but he still made an impact. On Friday, he was voted by his teammates as the Jets' most inspirational player for the 2023 season.
“I've said it a million times, he loves his teammates and their teammates love him,” coach Robert Saleh said. “He's so intentional in the way he approaches everyone in the building. He's very thoughtful in the way he does things, and he's a great human being. He truly deserves this award.”
Rodgers' Achilles injury and attempted comeback have become the main storyline of the Jets' disappointing 6-10 season, which ends Sunday against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. He underwent surgery on September 13, two days after rupturing his left Achilles tendon, and did not return to practice until two and a half months later, months before the usual recovery period.
Although medical experts said a return to play was highly unlikely, Rodgers, 40, insisted it was possible. He said he was willing to play at less than 100 percent if the team was in playoff contention, but the Jets were eliminated on Dec. 17 with a 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Two days later, Rodgers announced his season was over.
“It’s inspiring, man,” left tackle Duane Brown said. “It's one of the most difficult injuries to come back from. Seeing his recovery, even without being on the field, has been remarkable. And the attitude he has – I'm sure the day-to-day isn't easy, but he's not complaining.
“He keeps everything light and the mood light. He's having fun out there. He's just very young in his approach. Like I said, it's inspiring, motivating and it's unprecedented.”
Rodgers was out of the team for nearly three months as he opted to rehab close to home in Malibu, California. During this period he attended most of the games and then returned to the West Coast. He joined the team full-time in late November, when his training window opened.
The four-time MVP, traded by the Green Bay Packers last April, said he wanted to play at least two more seasons. He is under contract until 2025, although the final year is not guaranteed. He took a significant pay cut before the season, providing the team with immediate cap relief.
The Jets' most inspirational player award is named for Dennis Byrd, who broke his neck while playing for the Jets in 1992. He was killed in a car accident in 2016. The Jets announced six internal awards, including team MVP, which went to linebacker Quincy Williams.
