“This Isn’t a War, Homie”: After Achilles Tear, Aaron Rodgers Reappears on Pat McAfee Show, Throws Measured Jibe

Published 10/12/2023, 11:42 AM EDT

New York Jets fallen soldier, Aaron Rodgers is renowned for his exceptional talent on the field. He has recently made headlines not just for his remarkable recovery from a debilitating Achilles tear, but also for his stance on the contentious issue of COVID-19 vaccinations. A recent appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ unveiled Rodgers’ spirit, as he engaged in a lively exchange with fellow NFL star Travis Kelce.

A-Rod is committed to keeping the COVID-19 conversation alive, despite differing opinions. In a world where football meets fervent discussions, Rodgers’ return and his unapologetic approach to life’s most pressing matters make for a captivating inspirational story of his resilience.

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Navigating controversy and comeback

Rodgers has been fairly vocal about his personal vaccination choices. He responded to fans who dubbed him “Mr. Johnson & Johnson” after he jokingly referred to Kelce as “Mr. Pfizer.” During an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ Rodgers wittily replied, “That’s fascinating. I don’t play for the Johnson & Johnson corporation; I play for the New York Jets.” This highlights the different opinions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations within the NFL and the broader community.

The exchange between Rodgers and Kelce highlights the ability of sports figures to influence public conversations. Aaron Rodgers stands by his convictions and is not afraid to engage in important discussions. He said, “But if you want to have some sort of duel debate, have me on the [New Heights] podcast. Come on the show, let’s have a conversation.” Suggesting that open and respectful conversations are essential to address vaccine fear and build trust.

As Rodgers stated on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ “I’m not going to shy away from conversations that I think are important.” Whether one agrees or disagrees with his stance, it’s evident that the 39-year-old is determined to keep this dialogue alive, as he believes, “This isn’t a war, homie. It’s a conversation.”

Besides the serious vaccine debate with Travis Kelce, Aaron Rodgers is also making progress in another significant challenge. Which is, of course, recovering from his torn Achilles and aiming for a return in 2023. These events showcase Rodgers’ determination over worldwide health discussions, along with his personal injury recovery.

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Aaron Rodgers’ remarkable Achilles recovery

After suffering a torn Achilles in the season opener, the star quarterback is determined to return to the field in 2023. His rapid recovery, being out of the boot in just 13 days, defies the usual timeline. He has shown us all his unwavering mindset that “the uncharted can still be achieved.” He recently took to Instagram to post his rehab journey. His Instagram photos were captioned “Three weeks into the rise to recovery. #healing” visually demonstrating his unwavering commitment to healing.

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The timeline for Rodgers’ recovery remains uncertain, as the Jets have not disclosed a specific schedule. According to ESPN’s Stephania Bell, it typically takes three to four months for the Achilles tendon to heal completely before players can begin rehab in earnest. Rodgers appears steadfast in his belief that he can speed up the process and make a quicker return, but the looming question is whether he can regain his peak performance when he does rejoin the field. This has left a lot of room for intrigue and anticipation regarding Rodgers’ comeback.

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Written by:

Mahika Saini is an NFL editor at EssentiallySports. She discovered her love for the NFL after witnessing Tom Brady win his seventh ring at the Super Bowl LV. As an athlete at the school level, Mahika formed a connection with the player's resilience, determination and toughness.

Edited by:

Garima Yadav

“This Isn’t a War, Homie”: After Achilles Tear, Aaron Rodgers Reappears on Pat McAfee Show, Throws Measured Jibe

Navigating controversy and comeback

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Aaron Rodgers’ remarkable Achilles recovery