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A.J. Hawk has a line on Aaron Rodgers, but is being careful not to compromise their friendship.
Hawk, the former Packers linebacker and co-host of “The Pat McAfee Show”, was cagey when McAfee implied that Hawk had spoken to Rodgers since the new Jets quarterback suffered a debilitating, season-ending Achilles injury just four offensive snaps into Monday night’s season opener against the Bills.
In his own unique way, McAfee asked Hawk he’s heard from Rodgers on whether the quarterback plans to retire or attempt to mount a comeback from the injury.
“I have not heard anything like that from Aaron Rodgers,” Hawk said, holding his cards close to the vest.
“My opinion is I think and I would hope that he’s gonna play next year.”
Rodgers and Hawk came to the Packers as first-round picks one year apart, in 2005 and 2006 respectively, and were together in the Green Bay locker room through 2014.
McAfee pressed Hawk for more details about his friend and former teammate: “Why don’t you do some journalism?”
“There’s journalism, there’s friends and there’s sources,” Hawk answered. “I’ve gotta figure out what’s what, right?”
Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning also appeared on McAfee’s show on Wednesday, and echoed some of the thoughts Hawk had about a potential Rodgers comeback.
“I would think the mindset would be that he is rehabbing to come back and play again,” Manning said. “This is not how he wants to go out. This not how he wants the second chance, in coming to the Jets, to end. I would expect him to work his tail off and come back and get healthy and see what he can do with this team.”
Rodgers appeared to back both Hawk’s and Manning’s sentiment on Wednesday afternoon, making his first public comments about his injury in an Instagram post.
What’s next for Jets after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury
The Jets got the news they were expecting but dreading.
An MRI exam confirmed quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a torn left Achilles tendon that will require season-ending surgery, a source confirmed.
Now, the Jets are back to where they were a year ago, with Zach Wilson back as the starting quarterback of the New York Jets.
Here’s what’s next for the star-crossed franchise.
Will Wilson get it done?
- Wilson is 8-14 as a starter and has thrown 16 touchdown passes along with 19 interceptions. Quite a few of those interceptions have helped to turn potential wins into losses, and many believed if Wilson had played to the level of an average NFL quarterback last season, the Jets would have made the playoffs.
Talent around him
Who else is out there?
- Former starters Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan and ex-Jet Joe Flacco are unsigned free agents. Journeyman Colt McCoy spent the preseason with the Cardinals and is available. GM Joe Douglas could look to make a trade.
“I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love.” he wrote.
“Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today. The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”
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