• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 22, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

Rodgers’ Season-Ending Injury Carries Huge Business Impacts

  • Marquee quarterback lost for entire season just four plays into first game
  • Some Jets games slated for primetime slots likely to be flexed
Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aaron Rodgers’ 2023 season with the New York Jets lasted just four plays — and now, the business of the NFL will have to change its marquee coverage plans for the team. 

MRI results on Tuesday confirmed the four-time league MVP — whose arrival in New York this year created a frenzy of business and media activity in and around the NFL — tore his left Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season. 

The Jets are currently scheduled for six prime-time appearances and four more in the Sunday late-afternoon window — including a highly anticipated Sept. 17 matchup at Dallas and the first-ever Black Friday game on Amazon.

Some of those games can — and likely will — be shifted according to the league’s varying flex-scheduling rules. But networks’ preseason expectations to ride Rodgers to big ratings boosts have been immediately dashed.

Things are still more uncertain for the Jets themselves. Rodgers’ three-year, $112.5 million contract includes $75 million in guaranteed money, and it is as yet unclear whether the 39-year-old will use the injury as an opening to retire. Rodgers previously said he intended to play more than one season with the Jets.

The Case Against Turf

MetLife Stadium’s turf — in which Rodgers caught his foot trying to avoid a sack — is a central component in this situation. A new field featuring an updated version of FieldTurf was installed earlier this year at the facility with the specific intent on reducing injuries.

The NFL Players Association and individual players, including Rodgers, have long advocated for the removal of such artificial playing surfaces in favor of natural grass.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.
Andy Reid

Andy Reid Office Shooting Went Unreported for a Year

Reid was inside at the time but wasn’t injured.

NBC’s MLB Chase Built on Vision for Yearlong Sunday Night Sports

NBC Sports is gunning for a Sunday night slate rivaling “The Sopranos.”

Featured Today

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy (86) catches a pass and carries the ball during the season final home football game against New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
August 15, 2025

How Middle Tennessee State Added $668,000 to Its NIL Budget

The Blue Raiders are creating a new blueprint for cutting costs.
Bridgewater American 12U Little League player Micah Poulter holds a District 7 pin during a send-off rally to the New England regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, from Legion Field on Friday, August 2, 2024.
August 14, 2025

Inside the Little League World Series Pin Trade

The rare little collectibles fuel a frenzy in Williamsport each summer.
Samuel Basallo

Orioles Give Catcher Record Extension Amid Adley Rutschman’s Stunning Fall

Samuel Basallo’s reported $67M deal would be a record for pre-arbitration catchers.
August 20, 2025

Tony Hawk Finds His Enduring Fame ‘Baffling’

The skateboarder said it’s “still kind of a shock” to be recognized.
Aug 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates in the second half as LA Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) watches at Crypto.com Arena.
August 21, 2025

Paige Bueckers Wowing Crowds, Selling Jerseys Despite Wings Losses

Bueckers is second in youth jersey sales.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
August 20, 2025

Struggling Kyle Tucker Benched Shortly After $600M Contract Buzz

The Cubs take action with their star outfielder ahead of his free agency.
August 20, 2025

Sophie Cunningham Receives 3rd WNBA Fine for Criticizing Refs

This is Cunningham’s third fine in about a month.
Daniel Jones
August 20, 2025

Vikings Set to Benefit from Colts Making Daniel Jones Starter

Jones never played a snap for Minnesota.
Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) work for the ball in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
August 19, 2025

Sophie Cunningham’s Torn MCL Yet Another Fever Setback

The Fever guard is out for the remainder of the season.