Cornerback/wide receiver living up to senior leader role while on the mend from knee injury

Not too many people would call Aaron Rodgers a lucky man these days.

But he did get to run out of the tunnel at MetLife Stadium in Week 1, leading the Jets onto the field in prime time with the American flag in tow, doing so on one of the most sacred days in these parts, September 11.

And he did get to play four downs before rupturing his Achilles tendon in his debut for Gang Green against Buffalo. And then there’s the $37.5 million he’s banked for the 2023 campaign.

Mike DeNicola didn’t even get four plays.

The St. Joseph by-the-Sea senior cornerback/wide receiver suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee three days before the season opener against St. Peter’s on Aug. 30 during practice

“I went up for the ball on top of two kids. I was sandwiched,” recalled DeNicola. “When I came down, all their weight was on my back, and there was that force on my knee. I knew something was wrong because I had the same thing happen [during summer workouts] in July, but to a lesser extent.”

DeNicola’s initial reaction was to be upset, “but I didn’t think it was too serious. I thought I’d be out one-to-two weeks and was just thankful it wouldn’t be for the whole year.”

The 16-year-old Bay Terrace resident wasn’t that fortunate. He had surgery on the torn meniscus just over three weeks ago. It’ll be another three weeks before he can ditch the brace and start walking, and two more weeks until he truly tests the knee by running and making cuts on the field.

Like Rodgers, DeNicola is hoping to buck the odds and come back before the season is over. Unlike the Jets quarterback, however, DeNicola doesn’t have another year to fall back on if that doesn’t happen.

“This being my senior year definitely makes it tougher,” admitted the 5-foot-10, 165-pounder, who missed the final one-third of his first varsity campaign after tearing his MCL in that same left knee as a sophomore.

DeNicola, who is still hopeful he can return by the regular-season finale or the first round of the playoffs — “My physical therapist said I’m ahead of schedule,” he noted — had planned on continuing his football career in college.

“I’m undecided now because of the knee,” said DeNicola.

In the meantime, the affable leader – both on the gridiron and in the classroom – may have discovered a new path while on the sidelines.

“I’m enjoying helping out and coaching,” stated DeNicola, who didn’t let crutches and the driving rain prevent him from giving advice to his teammates in the secondary during Thursday’s practice at Sea. “Even before I was injured, I was doing that, telling the guys they can’t quit. This is my role now in helping the team.

“When I saw Aaron Rodgers go down after I did, I just said ‘Injuries suck.’ One day, you’re on top of the world; the next day, it’s ruined. But I’m not letting it stop me.

“We have a very young team that’s improving every week,” DeNicola said. “And I’m here to help.”