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 highly acclaimed American professional football quarterback. Renowned for his exceptional skill and talent, he played college football for the California Golden Bears before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft, where he spent 18 seasons. He is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the sport.

Sections (5)

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

1962: Tittle's Passing Performance

In 2013, Aaron Rodgers matched a passing performance not seen since Y. A. Tittle did so in 1962.

1966: Highest in Team History

In 2009, Rodgers passer rating of 103.2 was also third-highest in team history at the time, behind only Bart Starr's 105.0 rating in 1966.

1968: Highest in Team History

In 2009, Rodgers passer rating of 103.2 was also third-highest in team history at the time, behind only Bart Starr's 104.3 rating in 1968.

1969: Throwing Six Touchdown Passes

During week 10 of 2014, against the Chicago Bears, Aaron Rodgers became the second player in NFL history since Daryle Lamonica in 1969 to throw six touchdown passes in the first half.

1970: Top Yards Per Attempt

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers had one of the top yards per attempt (9.2) in NFL history, with the statistic having been officially tracked since 1970.

1992: First Time Since 1992

In 2023, this marked the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Favre started a regular season game for the Packers.

1993: Brett Favre's previous record

In a Week 7 Thursday Night Football game against the Bears, Rodgers broke Brett Favre's previous record of 36 in 1993, also against the Bears.

1996: Franchise Record

In 2009, The Packers set a new franchise record by scoring 461 total points (third in the league), breaking the previous record held by the 1996 Super Bowl team (456).

2001: Single-Season School Record

In 2001, Aaron Rodgers set a single-season school record with 2,466 total yards at Pleasant Valley High School.

2003: School Records

In 2003, Rodgers tied the school season record for 300-yard games with five and set a school record for the lowest percentage of passes intercepted at 1.43%.

2003: Starting Quarterback

In the 2003 season, Rodgers was named the starting quarterback in the fifth game.

2004: Led Cal to 10-1 Record

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

August 2005: Signed Deal with Packers

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

December 19, 2005: Played Against Baltimore Ravens

On December 19, 2005, Aaron Rodgers played against the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the third quarter in a 48–3 loss, completing eight of 15 passes for 65 yards and an interception.

2005: Entered NFL Draft

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

2005: Drafted by the Green Bay Packers

In 2005, Aaron Rodgers was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers.

2005: Expected to be Selected Early in the NFL Draft

In 2005, Rodgers was expected to be selected early in the NFL Draft because he had posted impressive numbers as a junior with Cal, throwing for 2,320 yards with a 67.5 completion rate in the regular season.

November 19, 2006: Broke Left Foot

On November 19, 2006, Aaron Rodgers broke his left foot while playing against the New England Patriots in a 35–0 defeat, filling in for an injured Favre, and missed the remainder of the 2006 season.

November 29, 2007: Played Against Dallas Cowboys

On November 29, 2007, Rodgers stepped in when Favre was injured in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, completing 18 passes for 201 yards, with no interceptions. He also threw his first touchdown pass but was sacked three times. The Cowboys went on to win 37–27.

2007: Favre Stayed with Packers

After the team's season-ending victory at Chicago, Brett Favre announced that he would stay with the Packers for the 2007 season, again postponing Rodgers' hopes of becoming the Packers' starting quarterback.

2007: Patriots Score More Points

In 2011, the Packers' offense set a franchise record for points scored in a season with 560. As of 2016, this was the third-most ever behind only the 2007 Patriots and 2013 Broncos.

March 4, 2008: Favre's Retirement

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

October 31, 2008: Signed Contract Extension

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

2008: 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: Context Regarding MVP Awards

In 2022, Rodgers won his fourth MVP award, and became the first player since Peyton Manning won consecutive MVPs between 2008 and 2009.

2008: Most Interceptions in a Single Season Since 2008

Rodgers finished the 2022 season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, which marked the most for Rodgers in a single season since 2008.

October 2009: NFC Offensive Player of the Month

In October 2009, Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month.

2009: Record for most points scored by Rodgers

During week 10 of 2014, the Packers' 55-14 victory tied the Packers' 55-7 win vs. the Titans in 2009 for the most points scored by a Rodgers-led offense.

2009: First Win in a Comeback Situation

For the opening game of the 2009 season, Rodgers recorded his first win in a comeback situation. The Packers were trailing at the beginning of the fourth quarter when Rodgers completed a fifty-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings with about a minute remaining in the game to contribute to the 21–15 victory over the Chicago Bears.

2009: Lowest passing interception percentage

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

2009: Context Regarding MVP Awards

In 2022, Rodgers won his fourth MVP award, and became the first player since Peyton Manning won consecutive MVPs between 2008 and 2009.

2010: FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year

In 2010, Aaron Rodgers was named the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year, for his exceptional passing performance throughout the season.

2010: Packers Clinch Playoff Berth

In 2010, after starting with an 8-6 record, Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to win their final two regular-season games to secure a playoff berth. Rodgers had a strong performance against the New York Giants, passing for 404 yards and four touchdowns, and the Packers defeated the Bears in the regular season finale.

2010: Pete Carroll took over Seattle's defense

In a Week 14 game against the Seahawks, Rodgers had a 150.8 passer rating, the best recorded against Seattle's defense since head coach Pete Carroll took over in 2010.

2010: Super Bowl XLV Victory

In the 2010 season, Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV and earned the Super Bowl MVP award.

January 23, 2011: NFC Championship Win

On January 23, 2011, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers secured a 21-14 victory over the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship, despite Rodgers having a 55.4 passer rating during the game. This win allowed the Packers to advance to the Super Bowl.

2011: 400 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns

During Week 16 against the Jets, Rodgers matched his own feat of achieving at least 400 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns in a single game. The only other time in NFL history that occurred was when Rodgers accomplished it in 2011 against the Denver Broncos.

2011: NFC Offensive Player of the Week Honors

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers earned multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. In Week 4, he had 408 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, plus two rushing touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. In Week 6, he had a 93-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson against the St. Louis Rams. In Week 9, he had 247 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Chargers. The Packers started the season 13-0 but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, ending their 19-game winning streak.

2011: Record-Breaking Season and Awards

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers had a record-breaking season with 4,643 passing yards, 45 touchdown passes, and a passer rating of 122.5, the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history as of 2024. He earned multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Month awards and FedEx Air Player of the Week awards. During the week four game against the Denver Broncos, Rodgers became the only quarterback in NFL history to record over 400 passing yards with four touchdown passes, while also rushing for two touchdowns in the same game.

2011: League MVP Award

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers recorded a passer rating of over 100.0 in thirteen games during the season and won the league's MVP award, receiving 48 of the 50 votes.

2011: Record-Setting Postseason Performance

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers' performance in the NFL postseason led him to become only the third player in NFL history to pass for over 1,000 yards in a single postseason. He also became one of only four quarterbacks to record over 300 yards passing, with at least three touchdown passes, and no interceptions in a Super Bowl. He 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.

2011: Victory Over the Saints After Lockout

In 2011, despite the NFL lockout disrupting off-season workouts, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers defeated the New Orleans Saints 42-34 in their season opener. Rodgers threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

2011: Upset Loss to Giants

In 2011, the Green Bay Packers, with a 15–1 record, were upset by the New York Giants in the Divisional Round of the playoffs with a score of 37-20. Rodgers passed for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The 2011 Packers became the only team in NFL history to go 15-1 and not win a playoff game.

2012: Ranked Best Player by Peers

For his 2011 season, Aaron Rodgers was named to the Pro Bowl and received First-team All-Pro honors. In 2012, he was voted by his fellow players as the best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2012: Touchdown-to-interception ratio

In 2012, Rodgers led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio, passer rating, and touchdown passing percentage.

2012: Playoff Performance and Pro Bowl Nomination

In the 2012 playoffs, the Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round but lost to the 49ers in the Divisional Round. Aaron Rodgers completed 26 of 39 passes for 257 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the loss. For his performance in the 2012 season, he earned his third career Pro Bowl nomination.

April 26, 2013: Contract Extension

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

2013: Broncos Score More Points

In 2011, the Packers' offense set a franchise record for points scored in a season with 560. As of 2016, this was the third-most ever behind only the 2007 Patriots and 2013 Broncos.

2013: Career-High Passing Yards

In 2013, Aaron Rodgers had a career-high 480 passing yards in a win against the Washington Redskins, tying the franchise record. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for this performance. He also became the first quarterback since Y. A. Tittle in 1962 to throw for at least 480 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.

2013: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2013, Aaron Rodgers was ranked sixth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list for his performance in the 2012 season.

2013: ESPN Ranks 2011 Season

In 2013, ESPN ranked Aaron Rodgers' 2011 season as the third-greatest passing season of all time.

2013: Return From Injury, NFC North Championship

In 2013, after returning from injury, Aaron Rodgers threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season finale against the Bears. He connected with Cobb for a 48-yard game-winning touchdown to clinch the NFC North and a home playoff game. Rodgers won the 2013 GMC Never Say Never Award for the game-winning pass.

2014: "Relax" Comment

During the 2014 season, the Packers began with a 1-2 start. After a loss to the Lions in Week 3, where the Packers offense struggled, Aaron Rodgers famously told fans and the media to "R-E-L-A-X" amid widespread concern.

2014: Playoff Loss to 49ers

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record, but they lost to the San Francisco 49ers 23-20 in the Wild Card Round. Rodgers recorded 177 passing yards and one touchdown pass.

2014: Injured calf against the Lions

In 2014, during a Week 17 game against the Lions, Aaron Rodgers re-injured his left calf. Despite the injury, he led the Packers to a 30-20 victory, securing their fourth straight NFC North title and earning his fourth NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.

2014: Contract Extension through 2014

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

December 3, 2015: "The Miracle in Motown"

On December 3, 2015, Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard Hail Mary pass to Richard Rodgers against the Lions with 0:00 left on the clock, securing a 27-23 victory after a facemask penalty extended the game. The play was quickly dubbed as "The Miracle in Motown."

2015: 300-yard passing game

In a Week 7 Thursday Night Football game against the Bears, Rodgers recorded 326 passing yards for his first 300-yard passing game since Week 10 of the 2015 season in the 26–10 win.

2016: Third-Most Points Scored in a Season

In 2011, the Packers' offense set a franchise record for points scored in a season with 560. As of 2016, this was the third-most ever behind only the 2007 Patriots and 2013 Broncos.

2016: Season achievements

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers completed 401 passes for 4,428 yards with 40 touchdowns, leading the league in touchdown passes for the first time in his career.

2016: NFC North title and a playoff berth

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers helped lead the Packers to a NFC North title and a playoff berth. The Packers defeated the Giants in the Wild Card Round and the #1-seed Cowboys in the Divisional Round before losing to the Falcons in the NFC Championship.

2016: Playoff Run

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs as the fifth seed. They defeated the Redskins in the Wild Card Round and the Cardinals in the Divisional Round, where Rodgers threw a 41-yard Hail Mary to Jeff Janis to send the game into overtime, but ultimately lost. He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl and was ranked as the sixth best player by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016: Total touchdowns

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

2017: First Time Since Week 15 of 2017

During the 2022 season, Rodgers threw three interceptions in the 15–9 loss. It was the first time since Week 15 of the 2017 season that Rodgers threw three interceptions in a game.

April 2018: Limited Partner in Milwaukee Bucks

In April 2018, Aaron Rodgers became a limited partner in the Milwaukee Bucks ownership group.

August 29, 2018: Signed a four-year extension with the Packers

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

2018: Touchdown-to-interception ratio

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

2019: Finished the season with 372 completions

Aaron Rodgers finished the 2019 season with a touchdown to interception ratio of 25:2 which ranked third best all-time. He also set NFL records for interception percentage for a season, and for the amount of thrown away passes. Rodgers was ranked eighth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

2019: 2019 Season

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 3-0 start and secured a first round bye in the playoffs. He posted his first-ever game with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 against the Raiders, becoming the first quarterback in team history to do so, and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. Rodgers finished the 2019 season with 4,002 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and four interceptions.

2019: Lowest passing interception percentage

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

2020: Playoff Loss

In 2020, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game but lost to the 49ers, marking his third consecutive NFC Championship loss. He was ranked 16th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

December 23, 2021: Named to Tenth Pro Bowl

On December 23, 2021, Aaron Rodgers was named to his tenth Pro Bowl.

2021: Charitable Donation During Jeopardy! Appearance

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

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2021: Season Performance and Stats

During the 2021 season, Aaron Rodgers finished with 4,115 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and four interceptions.

2021: Donation to Small Businesses

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

2021: Rough Start but Subsequent Winning Streak

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers had a difficult start to the season, with the Packers losing to the Saints 38–3. Despite this, the team recovered and embarked on a seven-game winning streak.

2021: Honored for Charitable Work

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers was honored by the University of California, Berkeley, for his charitable work.

2021: Packers' Season, Playoffs, and MVP Award

In 2021, the Packers achieved a 13–3 record, securing the NFC North title and a first-round bye. Rodgers led the team through the playoffs, but they lost in the NFC Championship against the Buccaneers. After the season, Aaron Rodgers won the AP Most Valuable Player Award and FedEx Air Player of the Year. He was also ranked 3rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

January 14, 2022: Earned Fourth Career First-team All-Pro Selection

On January 14, 2022, Aaron Rodgers earned his fourth career First-team All-Pro selection.

2022: Season Performance and Broken Thumb Injury

During the 2022 season, Aaron Rodgers played with a broken thumb and finished the 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.

2022: Wins 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. He was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022: Confirmed Return to the Packers

On March 8, 2022, Aaron Rodgers confirmed that he would return and play for the Packers for the 2022 season, denying reports of a signed contract at the time.

April 26, 2023: 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 also chose to wear the No. 8 jersey, reminiscent of his college days.

July 26, 2023: Agreed to Reworked Contract with Jets

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

2023: Most Interceptions

As of the 2023 season, 13 interceptions still stands as the most interceptions he has thrown in a season. In 2023, this marked the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Favre started a regular season game for the Packers.

2023: Ranked 51st by his fellow players

During the 2022 season, Aaron Rodgers was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2023: Traded to New York Jets

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

2024: Highest Single-Season Passer Rating Record

As of 2024, Aaron Rodgers passer rating of 122.5 from the 2011 season remains the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history.

2024: Returns to Football

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers made his return to football after suffering an Achilles injury. He played in the Jets' home opener and Week 5 game in London. He denied allegations of a role in head coach Robert Saleh's firing.

2024: 2024 Season

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers played through injuries, broke his 300-yard drought, and reached 500 touchdown passes. He finished the season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

2024: Charity Flag Football Tournament

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

2024: Jets Conditional Draft Selection

On April 26, 2023, Aaron Rodgers was traded to the Jets, along with the Packers' first and fifth-round selections in the 2023 NFL draft, in exchange for a conditional second-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft. The move echoed the career path of his predecessor Brett Favre, who similarly spent over fifteen years as quarterback of the Packers before being traded to the Jets.