Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets may have ended prematurely, but his recovery is going well.
The veteran quarterback suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the Jets’ opening week after being knocked to the ground during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
An MRI scan on Tuesday revealed the four-time NFL MVP had ruptured his Achilles tendon in his left leg. He underwent surgery under the guidance of star doctor Neal ElAttrache, which required nine to 12 months of recovery time.
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Rogers shared a photo of himself in the hospital after undergoing ElAttrache surgery, looking in good spirits.
“Yesterday’s surgery went well. Thank you everyone for your love and prayers,” Rogers wrote in an Instagram Story, which showed him sitting in a hospital bed.
He later thanked ElAttrache, calling him “the greatest GOAT ever” and “getting me started on the road to recovery.”
Rogers isn’t the only big name ElAttrache has undergone surgery.ElAttrache lends support to the likes of Tom Brady and Nicole Kidman after knee injuries on set Moulin Rouge.
The Los Angeles Daily News named ElAttrache one of the 50 most influential people in Los Angeles sports, and he served as a senior physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers and as a board member of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic.
ElAttrache has also served as an orthopedic consultant for other Los Angeles teams, including the Lakers, Kings and Ducks. He had surgery on Kobe Bryant’s Achilles tendon and Zach Greinke’s collarbone in the same weekend.
The doctor’s other famous clients include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlize Theron and Ringo Starr.
Schwarzenegger has nothing but praise for Al Atlack.
“Dr. ElAttrache is the real deal, one of the most talented surgeons I have ever met,” he told us Los Angeles Times year 2013.
“He can solve problems that others think are unsolvable. He’s the ultimate asset for any athlete who comes to him because they need their bodies to perform at their best, whether that’s on the football field or on film. “
Another interesting fact about ElAttrache is that his brother-in-law is Sylvester Stallone, who also performed surgery on Stallone. The doctor’s wife is Tricia ElAttrache, the sister of Stallone’s wife, Jennifer Flavin.
ElAttrache has previously discussed his decision to become an orthopedic surgeon.
“In a sense, I choose to stay positive throughout my life. In orthopedics, you can. You can help a person run or walk or throw again. You mostly see them get better and do it again. their movement,” he told Los Angeles Times.
Rodgers was traded to the Green Bay Packers in a huge deal with hopes he could help the Jets get out of a Super Bowl drought. Although he signed a two-year contract with New York, many are wondering if the 39-year-old can bounce back during the NFL season.
But he promised to “rise again” in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out, texted, DMed, reached out through friends, etc.,” Rogers said in the post. “This means a lot to me and I will get back to you all as soon as I can. I am completely heartbroken going through this Overwhelmed by all the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by your support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.
“The night is darkest before the dawn. And I will rise again.”
