New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed that they're not expecting any "restrictions" when quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes part in OTAs on May 20 .
The 40-year-old had surgery eight months ago after suffering a torn Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, and former teammate Jake Ryan expects Rodgers to be "better than ever" following an extensive recovery period.
When Rodgers was traded to the Jets from the Green Bay Packers , it created a buzz in New York as fans started manifesting a Super Bowl run with the four-time MVP. But an offseason of excitement was ended in cruel circumstances as Rodgers pulled up on his very first drive as a Jet.
Despite vowing to come back in record time , their elimination from playoff contention meant that Rodgers realigned his focus to the 2024 season, and it could pay off for the Jets. Fans were stunned when Rodgers began throwing on the field before games and showing movement that was well beyond where he was expected to be, and with no restrictions expected in OTAs and summer camp, the Jets are locked in once again.
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It was an injury to Ryan that ended his NFL career prematurely, but after being drafted by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft he grew close with Rodgers, and the pair have remained friends ever since. Ryan is anticipating an "awesome season" for the Jets and has also seen with his own eyes the type of equipment Rodgers has been using behind the scenes.
Ryan spoke to Mirror US Sports about Rodgers and the Jets next season, and he's fully convinced that Aaron will be better than he was before. "Aaron's one of the smartest people I've ever met in my entire life," Ryan told Mirror US Sports.
"He knows the game of football inside and out, great teammate, great leader. I know he tried to get back (last season) as much as he could with his injury, to the stadium, but I know he was on his own regiment with just getting back and getting his Achilles right.
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"But man, like the locker room with Aaron, it's a game changer. He knows what to tell guys. He knows how people learn. I think having that and also his personality, I mean, guys love him, guys gravitate towards him in the locker room and I think the Jets are gonna do extremely well this year.
"That's who I'm rooting for. I mean, of course, Green Bay, but, I think it's gonna be an awesome season to watch for sure."
Even for someone as experienced as Rodgers, the events that unfolded last year were tough to take, and the quarterback admitted that tears were shed at times.
Rodgers was in a new environment after spending his entire career with Green Bay, and aged 39, he suffered the type of injury that could've ended his football days. But Rodgers' mindset is different, and Ryan expects the Jets to feel the benefit of his return.
"I know Aaron's mindset and I actually visited his house. We were doing a little road trip up the coast and I know Aaron's mindset on things and he's gonna come back stronger than he was before," Ryan added. "I mean, all the stuff that he has in his house, rehab-wise, and all the resources he has, I think he's gonna come back better than ever.
"You can't take the smarts out of Aaron, he's to a tee, knows exactly what he's doing, how to handle a team, how to handle an offense. So I think it's gonna be really fun to watch."
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