Despite an old college rivalry, Aaron Rodgers is committed to his rehabilitation and getting back in form for the Jets.
The 40-year-old quarterback was recently seen working out with the USC football team in a neighborhood in Los Angeles, based on photos and videos reported by The Post.
Sporting sunglasses and white compression leggings under blue shorts, Rodgers motivated his workout partners by offering fist bumps and claps of encouragement. He took breaks to hydrate and stretch, at one point sitting on the curb and massaging his right knee.
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Rodgers, a University of California alum, is recovering from a torn Achilles in his left leg, an injury he sustained on September 11 during the first minutes of his debut game with the Jets.
The four-time NFL MVP had resumed practicing on a limited basis by late December and early January. However, the Jets’ fading playoff hopes shelved any plans for Rodgers to make a season comeback as the team concluded with a 7-10 record.
The Jets are set to start their voluntary offseason program this Monday, though it’s unclear if Rodgers will attend. This phase focuses primarily on strength, conditioning, and team meetings.
While Rodgers was an active participant in last year’s spring voluntary program, possibly to bond with new teammates and establish his leadership, his attendance had waned in the later years of his 18-year tenure with the Packers.
By the time the Jets kick off their organized team activities on May 20, Rodgers will be nearly eight months post-surgery and is expected to be fully recovered or close to it.
Rodgers, who recently spoke on the “I Can Fly” podcast, admitted he initially feared his Achilles tear might end his career. “I was really thinking, ‘This is it. You don’t come back from this injury,’” he confessed. However, he’s not ready to retire and is aiming for up to four more seasons. “I’m excited about playing again,” he shared. “I love playing. I fell back in love with the game and then I had it taken away after just four plays. I miss being out there, I love competing.”
Drawing inspiration from Tom Brady, who played until he was 45 by maintaining peak physical condition, Rodgers knows that every workout is crucial if he intends to follow a similar path.
