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One Wish Granted: Amidst Career Defining Move to New York, Aaron Rodgers’ Wholesomely Human Side Resurfaces on Social Media

Published 04/26/2023, 11:14 AM EDT

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New York Jets agree to much-awaited mega trade for Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay, including a conditional first-round pick. Rodgers needs to sign a revised contract and undergo a physical. Fans witnessed as he said goodbye to Green Bay on social media, expressing his gratitude to the Packers, their incredible fans, and the state of Wisconsin in one Instagram post with 10 pictures ahead of his trade to the Jets.

With Aaron Rodgers grabbing the headlines the past few months in a “will he won’t he” scenario, a heartwarming story from last year has come to light involving a young fan and the legendary QB. A 10-year-old fan really wanted to meet his idol and Rodgers made that dream come true. But that’s not all, and the story that unfolded is incredibly heartwarming.

Aaron Rodgers makes a special fan’s wish come true

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T.J.’s wish was to meet Aaron Rodgers and attend a Green Bay game. As per T.J.’s dad, Former NFL tight end and sportscaster, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, who knew Rodgers, texted him before the game, and Aaron agreed to meet TJ. Of the moment, Olsen said, “meant a lot to TJ, meant a lot to us, that was a really special moment for him.” This was a meaningful and special moment for TJ and his family, as expressed by Greg Olsen. The moment was extra special for T.J., as he had just gone through a heart transplant the year before.

 

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During a Green Bay game, Greg Olsen’s expressed the moment “He’s[TJ] been fortunate. He’s been through a lot. His one wish,” he said, “I want to come to a Green Bay with game with you dad and I would love to meet Aaron Rodgers.” Greg Olsen’s son, T.J., had a heart transplant at 8 years old in June 2021 due to a worsening congenital heart condition.

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The year after the heart operation, TJ’s aspiration was realized when he had a chance to speak with Rodgers before a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets. Rodgers chatted with TJ and even posed for a picture with him. “Greg, your son’s face was beaming,” Burkhardt said to Greg. “Some things are more important than the game.” However, it wasn’t just a wish; it was driven by his pure heart. Therefore, the journey toward a heart transplant was critical too.

TJ Olsen is a braveheart

In 2012, TJ Olsen was born with HLHS and had to undergo multiple open-heart surgeries. His heart deteriorated in 2021, leading to his placement on a waiting list for a heart transplant at Levine Children’s Hospital. However, a heart match was eventually found, and TJ underwent a successful transplant after a two-week hospital stay. In a heartwarming conversation with his cousins just before the operation, he expressed his excitement about the news. He was also pleased to receive a negative COVID test result.

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After the transplant, TJ expressed gratitude to his father’s followers on social media for their thoughts and prayers. The Olsen family also emphasized the somber reality that a donor family had suffered a loss and requested prayers and sympathy for them. The family founded The HEARTest Yard Foundation, which has raised millions for pediatric heart research in Charlotte and provides healthcare support post-hospital.

WATCH THIS STORY – Aaron Rodgers Seeks Breathing Space as the Jets’ Salary Cap Crisis Hits Rock Bottom

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Written by:

Mohammad Asif Ansari

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Mohammad Asif Ansari is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports, with a passion for bringing sports news to life through engaging content. As an ardent sports fan, Ansari likes to cover core sports angles. His latest article, “Dallas Cowboys Reportedly Making It Difficult for Aaron Rodgers to Pursue His Dream Team” got a hoard of interested sports readers.
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Edited by:

Nidhi Rana