NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers uses a cayenne pepper and water elixir to relieve pain and hopes to perform better in the second half of the season.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes he has discovered a “little source of youth” that is helping him ease his physical ailments. And that’s nothing to “sneeze” about. Or maybe it is. Rodgers explained that he drinks a mixture of cayenne pepper and water on the advice of his teammate Thomas Morstead.
Rodgers, who has battled hamstring, knee and ankle injuries throughout the NFL season, started the drink before the Jets’ game in Week 8 and is continuing the regimen this week in preparation for Thursday night’s game against to prepare for the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. In a week with little preparation time, most players are dealing with sore bodies, but Rodgers, 40, says he feels great.
A new elixir in the rehabilitation program
Although Rodgers isn’t sure if his new elixir is solely responsible for his recovery, he has incorporated it into his rehab program. Cayenne pepper and water may provide several health benefits, including pain relief, according to various medical journals. “I take care of myself nonstop,” Rodgers said, adding that he receives treatments both at the facility and at home.
His mobility and age were questioned by Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who said after New England’s 25-22 win on Sunday: “Hall of Fame quarterback. Shame to see him go like that… He definitely looks “He doesn’t look like he used to. Damn, I couldn’t catch him.” Rodgers was unaware of these comments. “He’s probably right,” Rodgers said. “Yes, I was in pain, but today I feel better.”
Jets with five bankruptcies in a row
The Jets (2-6), who have lost five straight games, need an improved Rodgers to salvage the second half of the season. In a postgame speech on Sunday, he instilled a sense of urgency in the team with a “cool head,” safety Isaiah Oliver said, adding: “He was still able to express that things need to improve and change and that we need to do it together “It’s not time to point fingers.”
The four-time MVP admitted he’s not playing at the level he expects of himself, but sounded optimistic about Thursday night’s game. He said Godchaux probably got the wrong impression of him because he didn’t have to escape the pocket often, which made it seem like his mobility was limited. “That was probably part of it, but I expect to be able to do a lot more this week,” Rodgers said.
A mixed year for Rodgers
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged that Rodgers hasn’t been 100% this season, but added that Monday’s follow-up was “one of his better evaluations.” Asked if he would consider resting the future Hall of Famer for a week or two, Ulbrich said, “Not at this point.”
This season hasn’t been typical for Rodgers so far. He ranks 23rd in Total QBR (50.4), well below his career average (67.2). He is on pace to set a career high with seven interceptions. “Yeah, not as good as I hoped,” he said of his season. “I have to play better. I just have to be more efficient and not lose the ball too often. Interceptions can be misleading at times, but I’ve definitely had my share of bad throws.”
Rodgers claimed his Achilles tendon surgery was not a factor at all, but he did miss some practice time due to his other leg injuries. Agility used to be one of his “superpowers,” according to Ulbrich, who said this week they placed an emphasis on “really getting in rhythm, listening to your feet, trusting your eyes and going for it. The right things are emphasized – they will – and I look forward to seeing growth in that regard.”
Rodgers played his best game of the season on a Thursday night, a Week 3 win against the Patriots in which he passed for 281 yards and two touchdowns. The short week didn’t bother him at all. “I don’t know what it is about these Thursdays,” he said, “but I made it to the game without any problems and I’m feeling a lot better.”
