The summer of 2023 was filled with hope for Jets fans. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson just won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, while cornerback Sauce Gardner won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The Jets traded for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to complement these two rookie standouts. It was long rumored to be happening, but fans of the Jets team knew not to get their hopes up. The Jets were the focal point of that fall's edition of HBO's 'Hard Knocks', and fans got a deeper insight into the team's workings. Excitement was reaching maximum levels ahead of the first regular-season game.
The stage was set. New York would host their AFC East division rival Buffalo Bills for 'Monday Night Football.' Rodgers carried an American flag as he entered the field, and the crowd erupted in applause. It was short-lived, as Rodgers attempted only one pass before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.
A year has passed, and Rodgers and the Jets are back. New York heads west to take on the San Francisco 49ers. Before the game, let's take a look back at the injury that ended the Jets' career before it began.
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Who injured Aaron Rodgers in 2023?
New York forced a punt on Buffalo's first drive. Finally, the moment Jets fans had been waiting for, as Rodgers ran onto the field. He handed the ball off to running back Breece Hall for the first play. The Rodgers era had begun.
Rodgers' second play involved an incomplete pass deep down the field. Next, he had an incomplete pass to tight end Tyler Conklin. A defensive holding penalty negated this play, giving Rodgers a first down.
Bills defender Leonard Floyd sacked Rodgers on the fourth play of the drive for a 10-yard loss. He initially got up but then frustratedly looked to his sideline. Rodgers shook his head before sitting down on the turf. Trainers helped Rodgers off the field, Zach Wilson took over under center, and New York's storybook season was essentially over before it started.
Aaron rodgers is out with a lower leg injury pic.twitter.com/bBTMS42ddQ
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) September 12, 2023
Who is Leonard Floyd?
The Chicago Bears drafted the 32-year-old Floyd with the eighth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent four years with the franchise, and they even picked up his fifth-year option. Floyd was released before he got to play on that option, which ended his tenure in Chicago. He registered 18.5 sacks and 128 total tackles in 54 games with the team.
Floyd signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. He broke out for 10.5 sacks, which earned him a four-year deal. Again, Floyd didn't see the entire contract length and was released after the 2022 season.
Floyd landed in Buffalo on a one-year deal in 2023. He played in all 17 games and finished with 10.5 sacks, though none were likely as impactful as the first one he had against Rodgers. Floyd wasn't re-signed by Buffalo and ended up with a rather intriguing team for 2024.
Who does Leonard Floyd play for in 2024?
It would be ironic if Floyd ended up signing with the Jets this year and joined the team whose season he ruined a year ago. The veteran defensive end didn't make that move, but did sign a two-year deal with San Francisco.
Yes, almost a year to the day after Rodgers' 2023 campaign ends, Floyd will suit up across from the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Floyd is listed as a starter on the 49ers' depth chart and should see a fair amount of snaps against Rodgers on Monday.
Will Leonard Floyd play against Rodgers and the Jets in Week 1?
Floyd wasn't on the 49ers' final injury report heading into gameday. He is expected to start Monday night's game on the 49ers' defensive line. Floyd told reporters that he had received death threats from the Jets faithful a year ago. Ahead of the rematch, Rodgers offered some heartfelt words.
#Jets QB Aaron Rodgers on facing Leonard Floyd again Monday night: "He's a great player. I hope he doesn't feel in any way responsible for that at all."
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 5, 2024
(via @SNYtv)
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