Jets’ Rodgers touts cayenne pepper and water as part of the regimen

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he believes he’s discovered a “little fountain of youth,” and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Or maybe.

Rodgers said he drinks cayenne pepper and water, suggested by teammate Thomas Morstead. Rodgers, who has been dealing with hamstring, knee and ankle injuries all season, said he started drinking it before the Jets game in Week 8 and has continued this week in preparation for Thursday night’s game against the Houston Texans at the MetLife Stage.

It’s a short week, meaning most players are struggling with sore bodies, but Rodgers, 40, said he’s feeling great.

Rodgers said he wasn’t sure if it was all due to his new elixir, but he has made it part of his rehab program. Cayenne pepper and water may have several health benefits, including pain relief, according to several medical journals.

“I’m taking care of myself nonstop,” Rodgers said, adding that he is receiving treatment at the facility and later at home.

His age and decreased mobility were noted by Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who told reporters after Sunday’s 25-22 win at New England: “Hall of Fame quarterback. I hate to see him go out like this. . .. He definitely doesn’t look the same…. S—, I could run him over and catch him. He doesn’t look mobile at all.’

Rodgers said he was unaware of the comments.

“He’s probably right,” Rodgers said. “Yes, I was in pain, but I feel better today.”

That’s a pretty quick recovery.

“T-Mo gave me a little fountain of youth,” he said of Morstead. “He said he’s been taking it for a while – all legally of course. … (Maybe) that’s why I feel a little better.”

The Jets (2-6), losers of five straight games, need an improved Rodgers to salvage the second half of their season. In a post-game speech to the team Sunday, he expressed his sense of urgency with “a cool head,” safety Isaiah Oliver said, adding, “He was still able to express that things have to get better and things have to change, and that We have to do it together. There is no time for pointing fingers.”

The four-time MVP acknowledged that he fell short of his expectations, but he sounded optimistic about Thursday night. Godchaux probably got the wrong impression about him, Rodgers said, because he didn’t have to escape the pocket as often, making it seem like his mobility was compromised.

“That was probably part of it, but I expect to be able to do a lot more this week,” Rodgers said. “I’ll get under center and hopefully back to my speed, which is faster than Godchaux.”

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged that Rodgers wasn’t 100 percent this season, but he added that Monday’s post-game check-up was “one of his better evaluations. So from that standpoint, we’re very fortunate.”

When asked if he would consider resting the future Hall of Famer for a week or two, Ulbrich said, “Not at this time.”

This has not been a vintage Rodgers season. He ranks 23rd in QBR (50.4), well below his career average (67.2). He is on pace for 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 turn the ball over too much. Interceptions can be misleading sometimes, but I’ve definitely had my share of bad throws.”

Rodgers said his surgically repaired Achilles tendon wasn’t a factor at all, but he has missed some practice time because of his other leg injuries.

Mobility used to be one of Rodgers’ “superpowers,” according to Ulbrich, who said the emphasis this week was on “really getting into the rhythm and listening to your feet, and trusting your eyes, and letting it rip.” Things are being emphasized – they are – and I’m happy to see some growth in that way.”

Rodgers had his best game of the season on Thursday night, a Week 3 win over 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 race without any problems and I feel much better.”