EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (AP) — No American flag for Aaron Rodgers this time. But thunderous applause greeted the New York Jets quarterback as he jogged onto the field at MetLife Stadium.

Rodgers was back home and ready to play. Finally.

The 40-year-old four-time MVP made his first home start Thursday night since leaving his Jets debut with a torn Achilles tendon just over a year ago, and he left the court a winner after leading New York to victory. a dominant 24:3 victory about the New England Patriots.

Rodgers was the last Jets player to be introduced to the crowd — “And your quarterback…” roared the stadium announcer — before the game began and fans, many wearing green and white No. 8 jerseys, went into a frenzy. Fireworks lit up the night sky and LED wristbands given to fans in attendance lit up the stands in a sea of ​​green light.

And he caused a stir in the first half, helping the Jets to a 14-3 lead.

Rodgers’ first touchdown at home with the Jets went to his former Green Bay teammate Allen Lazard, who ran from the end zone directly to his quarterback to give him the ball and help Rodgers celebrate the moment.

Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns and was also able to keep plays alive with his legs throughout the night.

“That was kind of a first step to playing the way I can,” he said after the game. “I felt like I was, you know, myself.”

The last time Rodgers jogged onto the field at MetLife Stadium, he came out of the tunnel carrying an American flag on September 11, 2023, the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The crowd roared as the flag flew behind him.

Rodgers called it one of the most extraordinary moments of his playing career.

Minutes later, the excitement and cheering were replaced by the shocking sight of the quarterback struggling off the field. Rodgers had fourth snap of his Jets debut.

Tests confirmed the diagnosis the next day. He underwent surgery on September 13.

Rodgers said he had a brief moment of doubt immediately after his injury, wondering if it was the last time he would play. He turned that into motivation, targeting an unlikely return late last season if the Jets made the playoffs. After New York was eliminated from the postseason race, Rodgers focused on being ready for Week 1 this year.

He did it, and Rodgers was solid but unspectacular in a Season opening defeat against San Francisco followed by a win in Tennessee He completed five of five passes and led the Jets to a game-winning touchdown drive. Rodgers went into the game against the Patriots with three touchdown passes, 343 yards passing and one interception.

And now he’s back at MetLife Stadium, looking forward to topping the disappointment of his last home game by creating a few more memorable moments. This time, for the right reasons.

“I mean, I feel good about it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the field at JetLife,” Rodgers said earlier this week. “So there’s going to be a lot of emotions for sure. But luckily we’re already in the third game of the season.”

“Played two full games, my body feels good, as good as it can in a short week.”

The Jets played their third game in 11 days at the beginning of the season, a tough time for any player, but especially for a 40-year-old quarterback who is still shaking off the rust of a long layoff and playing with an Achilles tendon operation.

“I’m testing the body, for sure,” Rodgers said. “I’m ready to go Thursday night and I’m looking forward to three days off.”

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