Aaron Rodgers has set and met many goals on the path to becoming one of the NFL’s most famous quarterbacks.
This season, he hopes to achieve another big one by making it back onto the field four months after tearing his Achilles during the first game of the season.
“Listen, I’d love to come back this season,” the New York Jets quarterback said during the “ManningCast” broadcast of Monday’s NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings. “For me, I always have to set a goal otherwise you kind of go crazy. My goal is to definitely come back.”
Rodgers also told “ManningCast” hosts Peyton and Eli Manning about why he was on the field throwing a football before the Jets’ Oct. 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Photos and videos of him throwing that night went viral, since people were surprised that he looked so normal just a month removed from surgery to repair his Achilles tendon.
Rodgers said that throwing on the field “was a way to feel normal.”
“Being able to walk out there without crutches and throw the ball around a little bit — that gave me a jolt. I’m just having a mindset ... to hopefully come back at some point,” he said.
But Rodgers added that his return depends on several factors, echoing comments he made during “The Pat McAfee Show” on Oct. 17.
“I’ve got to get to a point where I can protect myself,” he told the Peyton and Eli Manning.
Here are some other notable quotes from Aaron Rodgers’ “ManningCast” appearance:
- On 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa:
“That guy’s a game-wrecker,” Rodgers said, confirming that teams have a special set of plays to try when Bosa goes to the sideline.
- On 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who was once known as “Mr. Irrelevant” for being picked last in the NFL draft:
“He’s out here ballin’ and in the MVP conversation. He’s playing like a vet,” Rodgers said. “I’m a fan.”
- On whether or not he’ll become a coach once he retires:
Eli Manning asked Rodgers if he’ll become an NFL coach someday, noting that Rodgers has already been spotted wearing a headset on the Jets’ sideline while he’s on injured reserve.
“I’m coaching because I’m the oldest (expletive) guy on the squad. I’m older than a lot of guys on the staff,” Rodgers said, adding that he doesn’t plan to become a coach once he retires.