05 January 2024 , 18:20
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Aaron Rodgers has won the New York Jets' Most Inspirational Player award, despite only playing four snaps this season. The Dennis Byrd Award, voted for by the players, was announced on Friday morning, leaving some Jets fans surprised but showing he still has the backing of the locker room.
Rodgers suffered a severe injury in his first drive of the season but stayed close to the team as he tried to get back into the game. He was often seen at Jets' games with a headset on, supporting his backup Zach Wilson and speaking positively about him in the media.
Wilson had a tough year, leading to him being benched twice. The Jets used four different starting quarterbacks throughout the year. Despite this, Rodgers remained a constant presence at the facility, reportedly leading pre and post-game speeches, showing himself to be the veteran leader the team hoped for when they signed him from the Green Bay Packers.
Although Rodgers is medically cleared to play, he will not return this season as the Jets are out of playoff contention. However, it's clear he's had a big impact on his teammates and has still been given an award as a result.
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When asked about giving Rodgers a chance to play this season, Jets coach Saleh said in December: "No, he's not playing." He explained that despite the decision, Rodgers would stay on the active roster.
Saleh told the press: "We're still gonna keep him on the active. We've got the roster flexibility with all the different things that have happened throughout the last couple of weeks."
"It's all part of his rehab and just having him out on the football field is a plus for everybody. It's a plus for him, it's a plus for his teammates so we're gonna keep him on the 53."
Rodgers has regularly been present on the New York Jets sideline with a headset (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Rodgers is now focusing on the 2024 season, hoping to return strong after the Jets traded first and two second-round picks for him from the Packers.
With one of the NFL's worst records this year, the Jets might get a top 10 draft pick. Many think Georgia tight end Brock Bowers could join them, seen as the best college player at his position in years, as the Jets aim to make the most of Rodgers's second contract year and their strong defense.
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