Aaron Rodgers, a player intimately familiar with the devastation of a torn Achilles, shared his thoughts after witnessing a similar injury to his teammate. Following the New York Jets’ hard-fought 24-17 victory against the Tennessee Titans, Rodgers spoke to the media about the distressing moment when Jermaine Johnson was carted off the field.
“I saw him go down and immediately felt a wave of concern. When the Jumbotron flashed ‘Achilles,’ my heart sank a bit,” Rodgers reflected, his voice tinged with genuine empathy for his teammate’s plight.
Rodgers was later inquired about whether he had a chance to speak with Johnson either during or after the injury. With sincerity, Rodgers revealed, “I simply gave him a hug and told him I loved him.” His words underscored the warmth and support he extended to his teammate during such a challenging time.
The injury to Johnson occurred at the 4:22 mark of the third quarter, with the Jets leading 17-10. After the Titans managed to tie the game, Braelon Allen secured the win with a decisive touchdown, resulting in a 24-17 victory. This game marked a significant milestone for Aaron Rodgers, as it was his first win as the starting quarterback at the age of 40.
Johnson took to social media to express his gratitude to fans for their support and to officially announce his injury.
Johnson is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to his injury. Rodgers, who suffered a similar fate last season in the opener and was sidelined for the entire 2023 campaign, empathizes deeply with Johnson’s situation. In the game, Johnson recorded two tackles, bringing his season total to four. The 25-year-old, a first-round draft pick by the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft, previously showcased his skills at Florida State.
Rodgers concluded the game with 176 passing yards and two touchdowns, while all three of the Jets’ touchdowns were scored by their running backs. Braelon Allen contributed two touchdowns, with Breece Hall adding the third. The Jets face a short turnaround as they prepare to host the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football for their first home game of the 2024 season.
