Aaron Rodgers says he’s ‘completely heartbroken’ after suffering season-ending Achilles injury

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said in a social media post Wednesday he’s “completely heartbroken” that his season came to an end after just four snaps in a Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Instagram post is Rodgers’ first public statement since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, which effectively put an end to the Jets’ Super Bowl chances.
“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon,” Rodgers wrote in his Instagram post.
“I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.”
Rodgers suffered the injury during the first quarter of Monday’s season opener against the Bills. The injury occurred when Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd sacked Rodgers. The quarterback attempted to stand after the hit, but went down in pain. He eventually had to be helped to the sidelines by trainers.
After the 22-16 OT victory, the team feared that the future Hall of Famer sustained an Achilles injury. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed the devastating injury. The average length of recovery for Achilles injuries is in the 10-12 month range. A road to recovery for Rodgers, who will be 40 in December, won’t be an easy one.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again,” Rodgers added on Instagram.
Rodgers’ injury has sparked a debate of NFL players competing on turf rather than natural grass. MetLife Stadium, where Rodgers’ injury occurred, installed a new field surface called FieldTurf, which is supposed to be softer and easier on player’s bodies than the synthetic turf that was used before.
Players have constantly voiced their demands to play on grass, which is said to be safer for players. On Wednesday, NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell voiced his opinion on why all NFL stadiums should install natural grass instead of turf.
“Moving all stadium fields to high-quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make,” Howell said in a statement. “The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf. It is an issue that has been near the top of the players’ list during my team visits and one I have raised with the NFL.”