08 March 2024 , 07:00
454
0
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who spent the entire NFL season out due to an Achilles injury, has revealed his retirement plans. He hopes to play for up to four more years.
Rodgers suffered the injury during Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, just four snaps into his debut with the Jets following his high-profile move from the Green Bay Packers. Now fully recovered and rehabilitated, the 40 year old is ready to return for the upcoming campaign.
The 2024 season will be Rodgers' 20th in the NFL, and he's as eager as ever. Despite the serious nature of his injury, the four-time MVP often hinted at making a sudden return before the end of the season. While that never happened, he's ready to get going when September rolls around.
READ MORE: Denver Broncos still face huge Russell Wilson bill despite releasing quarterback
READ MORE: Justin Jefferson might 'break the bank' after Mike Evans' big NFL contract
Recently, Rodgers was a guest on UFC commentator Eddie Bravo's "Look Into It Podcast" where he expressed his desire to emulate his long-time rival Tom Brady by playing into his mid-40s.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
When asked about his Achilles' condition during the offseason, Rodgers said: "I got back on the practice field late in the season and couldn't get to a top speed sprinting, but really been in a good place rehab-wise, from the start, and feeling really good. I'm hopeful I can play two or three or four more years, but you need to have some good fortune in there to."
The hugely successful player then spoke about when he thinks he'll retire, saying: "I'm hopeful I can play two, three, or four more years. But you need to have some good fortune there too."
Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth snap of his New York Jets career (Getty Images)Last December, Rodgers had merely said he hoped to play for a couple more seasons. This is the first time he's suggested he might play for as many as four more years.
This revelation must be great news for the Jets, as they're hoping to make it back to the playoffs after a 13-year wait - the longest wait of its kind across all the big sports leagues in North America.
To support Rodgers, the Jets are planning to bring in a new backup quarterback. Last season, the Jets had a tough time with Zach Wilson in that position. Wilson, who was once chosen in the first round, was turnover prone and never got the full backing of coaches.