On Monday night, Aaron Rodgers took the field as quarterback for the New York Jets for the second time in two seasons.
Last season, the four-time NFL MVP suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on his fourth snap of the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
After a year of rehabilitation, the 40-year-old returned to the field against the San Francisco 49ers almost a year after tearing his Achilles tendon.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
The Jets lost 32-19 to the 49ers on Monday night despite the absence of 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey due to a calf injury.
Rodgers talked about how his body felt during and after the game in an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“Yeah, my body held up,” he said. “I feel like I'm going to continue to get more comfortable out there.”
“That is to say, the more I play, the more chances there are for mistakes to occur in each match, which allows me to gain more confidence and let go. But I feel 100% [confident]Maybe I can do a little more each week.”
PEYTON MANNING CALMS 49ERS' BRANDON AIYUK ON LOSING A TD RECEPTION AFTER OFFSEASON CONTRACT DRAMA
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the second half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Before the game, the quarterback reflected on his path back to the field.
“It's a long road. I thought about all the different things that happened over the last year,” he said of his thoughts at the start of the game. “Tomorrow marks one year since the injury. A lot of things have changed in my life over the last year. Because of that, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
“A lot of things were affecting me… [my] Season 20, all the rehab that he went through, all the ups and downs of the last year.”
Rodgers threw for 167 yards and connected with former Green Bay Packers teammate Allen Lazard for a touchdown. He also threw an interception in the third quarter.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks on the field after a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Rodgers was asked how his Achilles tendon felt.
“I actually felt good and only took two shots,” he said. “I took a hit from an interior player. I got sacked once, that was it. I felt like the pass protection was really good all night and I feel like I'm going to continue to get more comfortable out there.”
The Jets travel to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to The Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
