NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers career in jeopardy following torn Achilles

The NY Jets' worst fears have been confirmed. Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in the first quarter of the team's miraculous 22-16 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.

Not only does this bring an abrupt and premature end to Rodgers' season, but it's very possible that this is the last time we see the 10-time Pro Bowler step onto an NFL field. Rodgers' career is in serious jeopardy.

After all, Rodgers heavily considered retirement this offseason before emerging from the darkness to announce his intentions to play for the Jets. The process of rehabbing a torn Achilles is one of the most grueling in all of sports. You have to wonder what the future holds for the four-time MVP.

Many have already begun to speculate that this could be the end for Rodgers.

Has NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers played his final snap in the NFL?

There is at least some good news. While a torn Achilles is undoubedtly a devastating injury, there is a strong track record of quarterbacks, in particular, returning to full strength following the injury.

Vinny Testaverde famously played all 16 games the year after he tore his Achilles. Dan Marino suffered the same fate in Week 6 of the 1993 season, only to return and start every game the next year.

While mobility is oftentimes decreased, quarterbacks can still throw the ball. It also helps that Rodgers' injury was to his left leg, not his right leg.

There are reasons to be optimistic that Rodgers could make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2024 season, but it remains unclear if he wants to put his body through that.

What we do know about Rodgers is that he's the ultimate competitor. I find it hard to believe that this is how he would want his NFL career to end. That doesn't mean he will take another snap for the Jets, but it does mean that he's not someone to roll over and quit. That's never been his mantra.

Ultimately, there's no real positive way to spin this. This is one of the most devastating injuries in the history of professional sports — that can't really be argued.

Aaron Rodgers' first season with the Jets ends after just four snaps, and now, the focus turns to what's next for the future Hall of Famer and the Jets organization.