FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets defensive finish Jermaine Johnson will make his long-awaited return from Achilles surgical procedure in opposition to somebody who is aware of that feeling — former teammate Aaron Rodgers, the brand new quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Jets and Steelers play in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium, a matchup wealthy in revenge angles. Johnson mentioned he and Rodgers have been texting one another on Monday night time.
“Clearly, I am excited, he is excited,” Johnson mentioned Tuesday at minicamp. “It was a pleasure having him round and stuff like that and I want him the most effective, however once I get between these traces, there is not any associates.
“I believe he is aware of that, and he feels the identical stuff. I am excited. It is simply one other sport, however for me it will be my first sport again. There can be a variety of feelings and, when my feelings are excessive, I are likely to play fairly properly.”
Johnson ruptured his proper Achilles final season in Week 2, nearly one 12 months to the day after Rodgers ruptured his left Achilles in his first sport for the Jets. Johnson, a 2022 first-round decide, is not taking part in minicamp and will start coaching camp on the physically-unable-to-perform record, however he is anticipated for the common season, in keeping with coach Aaron Glenn.
Johnson mentioned Rodgers helped him “a lot” in the course of the early phases of rehab. He used Rodgers’ Los Angeles-based surgeon and flew to the West Coast on a personal jet that was organized by Rodgers. Johnson was blown away when he discovered that Rodgers had picked up the tab for the journey prices.
“The very first thing he mentioned was, ‘You will be good, you’ve got bought a 10-year-plus profession. You are all proper, chalk it up,'” Johnson mentioned. “It simply type of let me relax a bit bit and have the ability to collect myself, take it on the chin and deal with it, and do an excellent job at it. In order that’s how I’ve attacked it and Aaron’s been an enormous assist.”
Johnson’s profession was on the rise on the time of the damage. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 2023 and was named to the Professional Bowl as an damage alternative, however then he went down in opposition to the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. His anticipated return can be one of some juicy storylines for the season opener.
Quarterback Justin Fields began six video games for the Steelers final season, however he left as a free agent, taking a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets. Fields versus Rodgers would be the first season-opening sport in NFL historical past between beginning quarterbacks who swapped groups they began for the earlier 12 months.
Rodgers was launched by the Jets in March, and he wasn’t proud of the best way Glenn dealt with the state of affairs. He felt disrespected. Jets tight finish Jeremy Ruckert mentioned he expects Rodgers to have payback on his thoughts.
“Anyone that is aware of him is aware of that that is going to be his behind his thoughts, doing that,” Ruckert mentioned of his former quarterback. “However he is a Corridor of Famer. He will be able to play. We have been round him for 2 years and we all know how he thinks and the way he will strategy the sport. So we’ll be prepared. We’ll be excited to go in opposition to him.”
