Tom Brady sets expectations for Aaron Rodgers as Jets QB returns from Achilles injury

Aaron Rodgers is entering the 2024 NFL season with high expectations. The New York Jets quarterback is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, which he suffered in Week 1 last year against the Buffalo Bills. New England Patriots legend Tom Brady has strong hopes for the four-time NFL MVP.

Brady was a guest on The Stephen A. Smith Show at the Fanatics Fest in NYC this past weekend. When asked to name his top five quarterbacks in the league right now, the seven-time Super Bowl champ revealed his list and spoke about his expectations for Rodgers. Brady wants to see how the Jets QB bounces back from the Achilles injury.

"I'm very interested to see how Aaron [Rodgers] comes back and performs this year. You know how dedicated and committed he is to be in a great quarterback again. He had a year off. I believe that it would be very motivating for him to do that." [From 47:07 mark onwards]

Brady named Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacl Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen, Balitmore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, in his top-5 QB list, apart from Aaron Rodgers.

"That's why they go play. I think for all of us, we can analyze before the point, at the end of the day, it's going to be up to them to go out there and prove to us, right or wrong, whether our decisions or judgments or hypotheses about them are right.

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Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for himself in his Achilles return

Aaron Rodges hears all the comments that's being spoke about him. The New York Jets quarterback has a chip on his shoulder. There's nothing greatly motivating than a 40-year-old quarterback making a strong comeback from an Achilles injury, which in the sports world is often called the kiss of death.

While Rodgers has believers who hail the Jets as Super Bowl contenders for the upcoming NFL season, he also has his share of naysayers who don't see much hope for him and the Jets.

Speaking on ESPN New York’s Bart and Hahn show, Rodgers said that he is motivated by both the sides. Rodgers added that he first and foremost wants to play all the 17 regular-season games. The 4x MVP is confident that the Jets have a roster to stay in "really good shape in December and early January."

"It all motivates me... Obviously, they’re other goals and motivations. You draw from certain sources. The best players are self motivated, they don’t need that motivation from somebody else. We have inspiration from some of those comments or people fighting back against father time."

Rodgers continued:

"But you have to be self-motivated to last in this league, and I have enough motivation without any other comments that are said out there."

Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets will kick off their 2024 campaign against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept 9, 2024.