Career Timeline of Aaron Rodgers: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aaron Rodgers made an impact.

Aaron Rodgers is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Previously, he played college football at the University of California, where he set school records for low interception rates. Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft and is widely considered one of the greatest and most talented quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1992: First Start Since 1992

In 2008, Aaron Rodgers' debut as a starter marked the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Brett Favre started a regular season game for the Packers.

2003: Named Starting Quarterback at Cal

In the fifth game of the 2003 season, Aaron Rodgers was named the starting quarterback at Cal, leading the Golden Bears to a 7-3 record.

2004: Led Cal to Top-Five Ranking

In 2004, as a junior, Aaron Rodgers led Cal to a 10-1 record and a top-five ranking at the end of the regular season. He finished the season with 2,566 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.

August 2005: Signed Deal with Packers

In August 2005, Aaron Rodgers signed a five-year, $7.7 million deal with the Green Bay Packers.

2005: Entered the NFL Draft

After the 2004 season, Aaron Rodgers decided to forgo his senior season to enter the 2005 NFL draft.

2005: NFL Draft Prospect

In 2005, Aaron Rodgers was expected to be selected early in the NFL draft due to his impressive junior year stats at Cal.

2005: Drafted by the Green Bay Packers

In 2005, Aaron Rodgers was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the California Golden Bears.

November 29, 2007: Replaced Injured Favre Against Cowboys

On November 29, 2007, Aaron Rodgers stepped in for an injured Brett Favre against the Dallas Cowboys, completing 18 passes for 201 yards and throwing his first touchdown pass.

2007: Rumors of Trade to Raiders

Prior to the 2007 season, rumors suggested Aaron Rodgers might be traded to the Oakland Raiders for Randy Moss, but the trade never materialized.

March 4, 2008: Favre's Retirement Opens Starting Position

On March 4, 2008, Brett Favre's retirement announcement opened up the starting quarterback position for Aaron Rodgers for the 2008 season.

October 31, 2008: Signed Contract Extension

On October 31, 2008, Aaron Rodgers signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension with the Packers through the 2014 season.

2008: Became Packers' starting quarterback

In 2008, Aaron Rodgers became the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers after backing up Brett Favre for three years.

2008: Rodgers' most interceptions since 2008

In the 2022 season, Rodgers finished with 12 interceptions, which marked the most for Rodgers in a single season since 2008.

2009: First Win in Comeback Situation

During the opening game of the 2009 season, Rodgers achieved his first win in a comeback situation against the Chicago Bears, contributing to a 21-15 victory.

2009: Lowest Passing Interception Percentage Leader

In 2009, Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in lowest passing interception percentage.

2009: Packers' 55-7 win vs. the Titans

In 2009, the Packers had a 55-7 win vs. the Titans. In 2014, the 55–14 victory tied the Packers' 55–7 win vs. the Titans in 2009 for the most points scored by a Rodgers-led offense.

2010: Super Bowl XLV Victory

In 2010, Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV and was named the Super Bowl MVP.

2010: Packers win final two regular season games to qualify for playoffs

In 2010, after a road loss to the Patriots, the Packers, with an 8-6 record, needed to win their final two regular-season games to make the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers led the team to victory in both games, including one against the New York Giants, where he threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. The Packers then defeated the Bears 10-3 in the regular-season finale.

January 23, 2011: Packers Beat Bears in NFC Championship

On January 23, 2011, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers defeated the Chicago Bears 21-14 in the NFC Championship. Rodgers had a 55.4 passer rating in the game.

2011: Achieved at least 400 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers achieved at least 400 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns against the Denver Broncos.

2011: Rodgers sets numerous NFL records and wins MVP award

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers set numerous NFL records, including recording a passer rating of over 100.0 in thirteen games, and won the league's MVP award, receiving 48 of the 50 votes. Rodgers also finished second for the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.

2011: Rodgers earns multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors

In 2011, Rodgers earned multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors: once in Week 4 after a 49–23 victory over the Denver Broncos, and again in Week 9, following a 45–38 victory over the Chargers. Additionally, in Week 6, Rodgers had a career-high 93-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson in a 24-3 victory over the St. Louis Rams. By week 15, the Packers' 13-0 start was upset by the Kansas City Chiefs 19-14, ending their winning streak at 19 games, the second-longest winning streak in NFL history.

2011: Rodgers sets single-season franchise records

In 2011, Rodgers finished the season with 4,643 passing yards, 45 touchdown passes, and six interceptions, for a passer rating of 122.5, setting single-season franchise records. He also led the league in touchdown to interception ratio (7.5), touchdowns passing % (9.0%), and yards per attempt (9.2), while earning NFC Offensive Player of the Month awards for September, October, and November, and FedEx Air Player of the Week six times. He was the winner of the 2011 Galloping gobbler as MVP of the Thanksgiving game between the Packers and the Lions, a 27–15 Green Bay victory, and tied an NFL record for consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes (13).

2011: Rodgers earns NFC Offensive Player of the Week

In 2011, despite the NFL lockout and lack of official off-season workouts, Rodgers and the Packers defeated the Saints 42–34. Rodgers earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week with 312 passing yards and three touchdowns.

2011: Rodgers passes for over 1,000 yards in a single postseason

In 2011, following his playoff performance, Aaron Rodgers became the third player in NFL history to pass for over 1,000 yards in a single postseason. He also became one of four quarterbacks to record over 300 passing yards, with at least three touchdown passes, and no interceptions in a Super Bowl. Rodgers finished with 1,094 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, two rushing touchdowns, and two interceptions, while completing 68.2% of his passes for a passer rating of 109.8. Rodgers was ranked 11th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Packers upset by Giants in Divisional Round

In 2011, the Packers were upset by the New York Giants in the Divisional Round by a score of 37–20. The 2011 Packers became the only team in NFL history to go 15–1 and not win a playoff game. Rodgers was named to the Pro Bowl for his 2011 season to go along with a First-team All-Pro honor.

2012: Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio and Passer Rating Leader

In 2012, Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio and passer rating for the season.

2012: Rodgers voted best player in the league

In 2012, Rodgers was voted by his fellow players as the best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.

2012: Rodgers nominated to Pro Bowl

In 2012, the Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round but were beaten by the 49ers in the Divisional Round. Rodgers earned his third career Pro Bowl nomination for his performance in the 2012 season.

April 26, 2013: Rodgers agrees to contract extension with Packers

On April 26, 2013, Rodgers and the Packers agreed to a 5-year, $110 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

2013: Rodgers Makes Cameo on The Office

In 2013, Aaron Rodgers made a cameo appearance on an episode of The Office.

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2013: Rodgers ranked sixth by peers on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2013, Rodgers was ranked sixth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.

2013: Rodgers' 2011 season ranked as third greatest passing season of all time by ESPN

In 2013, Rodgers' 2011 season was ranked as the third greatest passing season of all time by ESPN and was regarded as the most efficient.

2013: Rodgers throws for career high 480 passing yards

In 2013, The Packers began their 2013 season against the reigning NFC champions, the 49ers, the team that also ended their playoff run the previous season. Rodgers went 21 for 37 in completions, 333 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the 34–28 loss. The following week, Rodgers had a career-high 480 passing yards to tie the franchise record in the 38–20 home-opener win against the Washington Redskins. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his effort against the Redskins.

2013: Rodgers returns from injury to clinch NFC North

In 2013, after rallying in December, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy announced Rodgers would return and start in the season-finale showdown against the Chicago Bears for the NFC North championship. Rodgers threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Cobb for a game-winning touchdown to clinch the NFC North. Rodgers won the 2013 GMC Never Say Never Award for the come-from-behind, division-winning touchdown pass. Rodgers finished fifth in the league in passer rating (104.9), completion percentage (66.6%), and yards per game (282).

2014: Packers lose to 49ers in Wild Card Round

In 2014, Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs, but they lost to the 49ers for the fourth consecutive time, 23–20 on a last-second field goal at Lambeau Field, in the Wild Card Round. Rodgers recorded only 177 passing yards and one touchdown pass. He was ranked No. 11 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

2014: Rodgers leads comeback win against the Jets

In 2014, The Packers' regular season debut came against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks—a game in which they would go on to lose 36–16. In Week 2, the team began the game with a 21–3 deficit against the Jets, but came back and won 31–24. The 18-point comeback marked the biggest comeback in Rodgers' career. In Week 3, the Packers offense was shut down by the Lions' defense, 19–7, and Rodgers told the fans and the media, "R-E-L-A-X. Relax. We're going to be OK."

2014: Contract Extension

On October 31, 2008, Aaron Rodgers signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension with the Packers through the 2014 season.

2015: First 300-yard passing game since Week 10

Aaron Rodgers recorded 326 passing yards for his first 300-yard passing game since Week 10 of the 2015 season.

2015: Rodgers Appears on Key & Peele

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers appeared in an episode of the sketch comedy television series Key & Peele.

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2016: Total Touchdowns and Touchdown Passes Leader

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in total touchdowns and touchdown passes.

2016: Packers defeated the Giants in the Wild Card Round

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a victory over the Giants in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs completing 25 of 40 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns.

2017: Rodgers throws three interceptions in a game

In the 2022 season, Rodgers threw for 291 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions in the 15–9 loss against the Lions. It was the first time since Week 15 of the 2017 season that Rodgers threw three interceptions in a game.

April 2018: Rodgers Becomes Limited Partner in Milwaukee Bucks

In April 2018, Aaron Rodgers was announced as a limited partner in the Milwaukee Bucks ownership group, becoming the first active NFL player with an ownership stake in an NBA franchise.

August 29, 2018: Signed Four-Year Extension with Packers

On August 29, 2018, Aaron Rodgers signed a four-year extension with the Packers worth $134 million, which included a $57.5 million signing bonus.

2018: Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio and Interception Percentage Leader

In 2018, Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio and lowest passing interception percentage.

2019: Packers secured a first round bye in the playoffs

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers helped lead the team to a 23–20 comeback win against the Lions and the Packers secured a first round bye in the playoffs.

2019: Lowest Passing Interception Percentage Leader

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in lowest passing interception percentage.

2019: Rodgers Makes Cameo on Game of Thrones

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers made a cameo appearance on an episode of Game of Thrones.

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2019: New head coach for Rodgers

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers started the season with a new head coach in Matt LaFleur following the departure of Mike McCarthy, shifting the Packers' offensive strategy.

April 2021: Rodgers Guest Hosts Jeopardy!

In April 2021, Aaron Rodgers had a two-week stint as a guest host on Jeopardy! from April 5-16.

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December 23, 2021: Rodgers Named to Tenth Pro Bowl

On December 23, 2021, Aaron Rodgers was named to his tenth Pro Bowl, marking another milestone in his NFL career.

2021: Rodgers finishes 2021 season with impressive stats and accolades

Aaron Rodgers finished the 2021 season with 4,115 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and four interceptions. For his play in December, Rodgers earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors.

2021: Jeopardy! Makes Charitable Donation During Rodgers' Appearance

During Aaron Rodgers' 2021 appearance as Jeopardy! guest host, the show made a charitable donation equal to the cumulative winnings of the contestants for those ten shows.

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2021: Rodgers Donates to Small Businesses in California

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers donated $1 million to help small businesses in Chico and Butte County, California.

2021: Rodgers leads Packers to NFC North Title and wins MVP

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 13-3 record, winning the NFC North and earning a first-round bye. Rodgers won the AP Most Valuable Player Award and the FedEx Air Player of the Year. He was also ranked 3rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

2021: Rodgers Participates in The Match IV and VI

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers took part in The Match IV, paired with Bryson DeChambeau against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady, and they won. Rodgers also participated in The Match VI, teaming up with Brady against Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, and they also won.

2021: Rodgers Honored by UC Berkeley for Charitable Work

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers was honored by the University of California, Berkeley, his alma mater, for his charitable work, including donations to renovate athletic facilities and establish a scholarship for transfer students.

2021: Rodgers struggles in season opener but recovers to lead Packers on a winning streak

In the 2021 season opener, Aaron Rodgers struggled, completing 15 of 28 passes for 133 yards and two interceptions in a 38-3 loss to the Saints. However, Rodgers and the Packers recovered, going on a seven-game winning streak after that initial loss.

January 14, 2022: Rodgers Earns Fourth Career First-Team All-Pro Selection

On January 14, 2022, Aaron Rodgers earned his fourth career First-team All-Pro selection, further solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

2022: Rodgers wins second consecutive AP NFL MVP Award

In 2022, Aaron Rodgers won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award for the second consecutive season and the fourth time overall, joining Peyton Manning as the only players in NFL history to win at least four MVPs. He was also ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022: Rodgers confirms return to Packers for 2022 season

On March 8, 2022, Aaron Rodgers confirmed that he would return to play for the Packers for the 2022 season, his 18th NFL season. He denied reports of a signed 4-year, $200 million contract extension, stating the numbers were inaccurate.

2022: Rodgers leads Packers to a losing season, faces challenges

The 2022 season was challenging for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, who finished with an 8-9 record and missed the postseason. Rodgers finished the 2022 season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

April 26, 2023: Rodgers Traded to the Jets

On April 26, 2023, Aaron Rodgers was traded to the Jets along with draft picks, in exchange for the Jets' draft picks. He chose to wear No. 8, which he wore in college.

July 26, 2023: Rodgers Agrees to Reworked Contract with the Jets

On July 26, 2023, Aaron Rodgers took a pay cut and agreed to a reworked contract with the Jets, adjusting his financial terms with the team.

2023: Rodgers ranked 51st in NFL Top 100 Players of 2023

In 2022, Aaron Rodgers finished the season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions and was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2023: Traded to the New York Jets

In 2023, Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets.

2024: Released by the Jets and Signed with the Steelers

After being released by the Jets after the 2024 season, Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers.

2024: Rodgers completes the 2024 season with the Jets

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers led the Jets, and despite dealing with injuries, he broke an NFL record for a 34-game drought without a 300-yard passing performance. Rodgers finished the 2024 season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

2024: Rodgers Raises Money for Charities with Flag Football Tournament

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers raised $3 million for charities by organizing a flag football tournament.

2024: Rodgers' Season-Ending Injury and Recovery Efforts

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during his debut game with the Jets and underwent surgery. The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for Rodgers, but he was ultimately not cleared to play. Despite missing most of the season, he was ranked 92nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

2024: Rodgers returns to football after injury

In 2024, after missing most of the previous season due to an Achilles injury, Aaron Rodgers made his return in Week 1. In Week 5 in London, Rodgers reached 60,000 passing yards and also threw three interceptions. Jets head coach Robert Saleh was unexpectedly fired after the London loss.

2024: Conditional draft pick in 2024

On April 26, 2023, Rodgers was traded to the Jets. The trade included a conditional second-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft that would have converted to a first if Rodgers played 65% of the offensive snaps in 2023.

January 5, 2025: Rodgers Throws 500th Touchdown Pass

On January 5, 2025, Aaron Rodgers completed his 500th touchdown pass to Tyler Conklin against the Dolphins, becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach this milestone.

February 13, 2025: Jets Announce Intention to Part Ways with Rodgers

On February 13, 2025, the Jets announced their intention to part ways with Aaron Rodgers after two seasons, planning to release him as a post-June 1 designation to manage salary cap charges.