Aaron Rodgers proclaimed on Instagram on Wednesday that he would “rise again” from a torn left Achilles tendon that ended his first season with the Jets after it had barely begun, and several of his teammates — and figures from across the sports world — rallied around him.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback went down on the opening drive of Monday’s season opener against the Bills and finally broke his silence on Tuesday in his emotional post where he said he was “heartbroken.”
His teammates flooded his Instagram comments with plenty of support.
“We all can’t wait big dawg,” Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson commented in response to Rodgers’ post.
Wilson and Rodgers had seemed to develop a strong bond since Rodgers arrived in New York during the offseason, and Wilson even said during a radio interview that the quarterback apologized to him during halftime after getting hurt.
Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker commented, “Luv 8,” while Mecole Hardman Jr. posted three heart emojis.
“Love you brother,” defensive end Jermaine Johnson wrote.
“We all got your back! You won’t be alone on this journey!” wrote Randall Cobb, who came to New York from Green Bay in order to play with Rodgers this season.
In an Instagram story, Cobb added, “Much love family! You got this!”
Jets running back Michael Carter chimed in, “luv u gang. See ya soon.”
“All love Ocho,” wrote Tim Boyle, who’s set to become the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback in light of the injury.
And the well-wishes didn’t stop at just teammates either.
ESPN host Mike Greenberg, who was visibly distraught after the injury occurred said: “Every fan of the Jets appreciates the way you’ve embraced this team and this city. Get well legend, can’t wait to see you back out there.”
Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher commented: “come back stronger!”
Actor Jeremy Renner, who plays Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, added, “hang in there my friend!!”
Olympian Lindsey Vonn sent well wishes too, telling Rodgers, “if anyone can come back it’s you!”
Even before Rodgers’ Instagram post on Wednesday evening, the expectation was that Rodgers wouldn’t end his career on an injury.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters earlier in the day that he was betting on Rodgers coming back next season.
“I haven’t gone down that road with him, but I’d be shocked if this is the way he’s gonna go out,” Saleh said before practice Wednesday in Florham Park. “But at the same time for him, he’s working through a whole lot of things that he needs to deal with.
“That will be the last thing I talk to him about.”