Jermaine Johnson, the third-year defensive end for the NY Jets, tore his Achilles tendon in the second game of the season.  After having a breakout year in 2023 this poses several question for the athlete and his team.  Will he be able to return to his prior elite level and how long will it take him to get to that level?  The percentage of NFL athletes returning to football after an Achilles tendon injury can vary, but generally, studies have shown that approximately 60-80% of athletes return to play at a similar level after surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture. Recovery outcomes can depend on factors such as the severity of the injury, the athlete’s age, their position in the sport, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation and post-operative care.  Newer surgical techniques and enhanced rehabilitation techniques can be employed to return the athlete to sport as fast as possible.  Typically, though, it can take 9-12 months for an athlete to perform at an elite level after Achilles tendon surgery. 

Return to sports in the NFL after an Achilles tendon injury can vary significantly based on age and position:

Age: Athletes under 30 typically have better recovery outcomes and a higher likelihood of returning to their pre-injury performance levels. Their bodies may heal more effectively, and they often have greater physical resilience. Players over 30 may face more challenges in returning to their previous performance levels. They might experience longer recovery times and are at a higher risk for complications.

Position: Skill Positions such as receivers or cornerbacks require explosive speed, agility, and quick changes of direction. Players in these roles often have more difficulty returning to their prior levels of performance after an Achilles injury due to the demands of their position. Non-Skill Positions like linemen may have a slightly better chance of returning, as their roles are less reliant on explosive speed and agility. However, they still face challenges related to overall mobility and strength.

Jermaine Johnson being younger and playing as a defensive end both bode well for his eventual return to the NY Jets starting lineup.  

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine we have sports medicine and foot and ankle experts who can employ the latest techniques in sports medicine surgery and prescribe the latest advances in post-operative rehabilitation helping athletes return at an elite level as soon as is possible and safe.