Is Aaron Rodgers a real person? Is he actually some sort of alien lifeform sent from outer space to save the NY Jets organization? Those are the questions Jets fans are asking after Rodgers was spotted chucking 50-yard bombs on the field prior to Monday night's game.
The Jets are preparing for a crucial Week 9 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football tonight. Prior to the game, Rodgers was spotted making his way to the Jets' locker room β only this time, he did so without the need for a golf cart or crutches.
In fact, Rodgers was seen walking without a limp, looking...completely normal. It's hard to believe this is the same man who was carted off the field with a torn Achilles less than two months ago.
It's even harder to believe this is the same person after Rodgers was seen throwing footballs on the field prior to the game. The four-time MVP was seen taking normal three-step drops while heaving passes 50+ yards into the end zone.
This isn't normal. This shouldn't be possible for someone who underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles just seven weeks ago. But it's happening. This is real.
NY Jets fans are bewildered by Aaron Rodgers' unprecedented progress
Jets fans and the entire football world have been in awe of the progress Rodgers has made in his recovery from injury over the last two months.
Rodgers opted to undergo what's known as a "speed bridge" procedure with the hope of returning quicker than any athlete has ever returned from a torn Achilles.
Former Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers notoriously returned to the field after just under six months on the sideline with a torn Achilles β a feat that was considered unprecedented at the time. Rodgers is looking to shed two or so months off that recovery timetable.
While Rodgers has admitted that he still has several hurdles to clear before he can confidently return to the gridiron, the progress he's made is undeniable. At the very least, the hope that Rodgers could possibly return this season is enough to keep the Jets locker room in good spirits.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Rodgers and the Jets this season. For now, however, all we can do is marvel at the remarkable feats of medical achievement that we see from him each week.