Aaron Rodgers only played a few minutes on the field for the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL season. For his teammates, he is nevertheless the most inspirational player of the year

Aaron Rodgers had imagined his first season with the New York Jets differently. He tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1 and has not played since.

Despite this, the quarterback was voted the most inspirational player of the season by his teammates and received the “Dennis Byrd Award”.

“I’ve said it a million times. He loves his teammates and his teammates love him. He’s very intentional with everyone in the building. He’s very deliberate in his approach and he’s a great person. He really deserves this award,” Head Coach Robert Saleh is quoted in US media.

Despite his serious injury, for the treatment of which he chose the not risk-free Speedbridge technique, an early comeback was even on the cards at one point. If the New York Jets had not already been eliminated from the playoff race on December 17, the former Green Bay Packers playmaker would probably have played again.

The way Rodgers himself dealt with the end of his season obviously made a big impression on his teammates. “That’s inspiring. It’s one of the hardest injuries to recover from. To see him recover, even without being on the pitch, is remarkable. And the attitude he has – I’m sure day-to-day isn’t easy, but he’s not complaining about it,” offensive tackle Duane Brown said.

New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers impresses teammates after Achilles tendon tear

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson is also thrilled: “I just know what he went through at the beginning of the season. The way he approaches it every day, the way he gives us his mindset.” Rodgers have made a big impact on the dressing room within a short space of time.

The Jets close out the season on Sunday against the New England Patriots, where head coach Bill Belichick could be on the sideline for the final time.