Zach Wilson’s family has got nothing but love for Aaron Rodgers.
When responding to a fan following the Jets’ 22-16 overtime win against the Bills on Monday, in which the third-year quarterback stepped in for Rodgers — who is believed to have suffered an Achilles injury — Wilson’s mom, Lisa, expressed her support to the four-team league MVP.
“Even though Rodgers is my fantasy QB I’m so happy for The Wilson’s,” the fan posted in an Instagram Story to Lisa, who replied, “We love @aaronrodgers12. He’s been such a great mentor. Heartbreaking.”
Lisa also expressed gratitude for the “love and support” she received amid the turn of events.
“Watching your kids do hard things, is so much harder than doing them yourself. Not the evening we expected .. Just trying to catch my breathe (sic). I am so overwhelmed by the love and support. Literally hundreds of texts and DM’s… I am so grateful to have such amazing people surrounding me and my family. Thank you,” she posted in a separate Instagram Story.
Rodgers slid into the role of QB1 in April following a franchise-altering trade with the Packers.
With the move, the 39-year-old also became a mentor of sorts to Wilson, the Jets’ second-overall pick in 2021 who was benched in his sophomore season.
A preseason full of promise transformed into a nightmare minutes after kickoff Monday, when Rodgers left the game during the Jets’ season-opening drive.
Though Rodgers’ X-rays were negative, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said in his postgame press conference that the MRI exam “is probably going to confirm what we think is already gonna happen.”
“I hurt for Aaron and how much he has invested in all of this,” Saleh said. “I’m still going to say a prayer and still going to hold out hope.”
Saleh also said Wilson, 24, will be the Jets’ starter moving forward as the team fears the worst for Rodgers.
“I have so much love for him, my heart goes out to him,” said Wilson, who went 14-for-21 for 140 yards with one touchdown and one interception Monday.
“It hurts us as a team, but my job as a quarterback is I’ve got to step up and I’ve got be as efficient as I can in the offense. I’ve tried to learn as much as I can from [Rodgers] but I’ve also got to be ready to go.”
Rodgers has long been Wilson’s idol.
Leading up to a Packers-Jets matchup last October, Wilson’s dad Mike spoke about what this moment meant to their family.
“Dreams do come true! I can’t tell you how many times @ZachWilson and I have watched Rogers [sic] on tv or studied his every movement on YouTube,” the Wilson patriarch tweeted.
“Today he gets a chance to play against him. Parents if your child has a dream, embrace it. Sometimes dreams do come true.”
Wilson’s dream could become a nightmare on Sunday when the Jets visit the Cowboys, who demolished the Giants on Sunday, 40-0.
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