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 renowned for his talent and skill. He played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, 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 considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

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

1966: Historic Passing

Aaron Rodgers surpassed Bart Starr's 1966 passer rating of 105.0 during the 2009 season.

1968: Historic Passing

Aaron Rodgers surpassed Bart Starr's 1968 passer rating of 104.3 during the 2009 season.

1992: First Game as Packers Starter

In 2008, Rodgers debuted as a starter, marking the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Favre started a regular season game for the Packers. The Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–19 at Lambeau Field.

1993: Rodgers breaks Brett Favre's record

In a Week 7 game against the Bears, Rodgers rebounded by recording a franchise record and career-high 39 completions, breaking 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).

2003: Starting Quarterback at Cal

In 2003, Aaron Rodgers was named the starting quarterback at Cal in the fifth game of the season.

2004: Led Cal to a 10-1 Record

In 2004, Aaron 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 and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting.

August 2005: Agreed to Deal with Packers

In August 2005, Aaron Rodgers agreed to a five-year deal with the Packers.

December 19, 2005: Game Against Baltimore Ravens

On December 19, 2005, Aaron Rodgers entered the game against the Baltimore Ravens, completing eight of 15 passes for 65 yards and an interception.

2005: Entered the NFL Draft

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

2005: Expected Early Selection in NFL Draft

In 2005, Aaron Rodgers was expected to be selected early in the NFL draft due to his performance with Cal.

2005: Drafted by Green Bay Packers

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

November 19, 2006: Broke Left Foot Against Patriots

On November 19, 2006, Aaron Rodgers broke his left foot while playing against the New England Patriots, and missed the remainder of the 2006 season.

November 29, 2007: Played Against the Dallas Cowboys

On November 29, 2007, Aaron Rodgers played against the Dallas Cowboys, completing 18 passes for 201 yards and threw his first touchdown pass.

2007: Favre Stayed with Packers

In 2007, Brett Favre announced that he would stay with the Packers, postponing Aaron Rodgers' hopes of becoming the starting quarterback.

March 4, 2008: Favre's Retirement

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

October 31, 2008: Contract Extension with Packers

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

2008: Starting Quarterback for the Packers

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

2008: 12 interceptions in a single season

In 2022, Rodgers had 12 interceptions. It was the most for Rodgers in a single season since 2008.

October 2009: NFC Offensive Player of the Month

Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October 2009 after passing for 988 yards, completing 74.5 percent of his passes, and recording a passer rating over 110 for all three games played during the month.

2009: Comeback Victory Against Bears

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: NFL Leader

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

2010: Super Bowl XLV Victory

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

2010: Overtime Losses

In 2010, Rodgers led the Packers to a 2-0 start, but then lost three of their next four games, including back-to-back overtime losses. The two overtime defeats brought Rodgers' record in overtime games to 0-5.

2010: Packers Win Final Two 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 qualify for the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers led the team to victory in both games, including a game against the New York Giants where he passed for 404 yards and four touchdowns, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. They also defeated the Bears 10-3 in the regular season finale.

2010: Rodgers records best passer rating against Seahawks defense

In a Week 14 game, Rodgers and the Packers had continued offensive and defensive success. Rodgers finished with a 150.8 passer rating, the best recorded against Seattle's defense since head coach Pete Carroll took over in 2010.

January 23, 2011: Packers Beat Bears in NFC Championship

On January 23, 2011, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 21–14 victory over the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship, despite a 55.4 passer rating, securing their spot in the Super Bowl.

2011: Rodgers has 400 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns against Broncos

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

2011: Rodgers Sets Franchise Records and Earns Awards

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers finished the season with 4,643 passing yards, 45 touchdown passes, and a 122.5 passer rating, setting single-season franchise records. He led the league in touchdown to interception ratio, touchdowns passing percentage, and yards per attempt. He also won multiple awards, including NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, October, and November, and FedEx Air Player of the Week six times. In week four 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. Rodgers won the 2011 Galloping Gobbler and tied an NFL record for consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes.

2011: Rodgers Sets NFL Records and Wins MVP

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers set numerous NFL records, including a passer rating of over 100.0 in thirteen games and a passer rating of 110.0 or higher in twelve games. He also won the league's MVP award and finished second for the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.

2011: Associated Press Athlete of the Year and League MVP

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year and voted league MVP by the Associated Press.

2011: Packers Defeat Saints After NFL Lockout

In 2011, despite the NFL lockout preventing official off-season workouts, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers defeated the Saints 42–34. Rodgers had 312 passing yards and three touchdowns, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

2011: Rodgers Sets Postseason Records

In the 2011 postseason, Aaron Rodgers became 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 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: Rodgers Earns Multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week Honors

Throughout 2011, Aaron Rodgers had several outstanding performances. In Week 4, he earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week with 408 passing yards, four touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns in a victory over the Denver Broncos. In Week 6, he had a career-high 93-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson against the St. Louis Rams. In Week 9, he earned another NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor with 247 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Chargers. The Packers started the 2011 season with a 13-0 record, but their 19-game winning streak ended with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15.

2012: NFL Leader

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

2012: Rodgers Named to Pro Bowl and Ranked #1

In 2012, Aaron Rodgers was named to the Pro Bowl for his 2011 season and was voted by his fellow players as the best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.

2012: Packers Defeat Vikings in Wild Card Round, Lose to 49ers in Divisional Round

In the 2012 playoffs, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 24–10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round. However, they were defeated 45–31 by the 49ers in the Divisional Round.

April 26, 2013: Rodgers Agrees to Contract Extension with Packers

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 NFL history.

2013: Rodgers Returns and Clinches NFC North Championship

In 2013, after recovering from an injury, Aaron Rodgers returned to lead the Packers to a 27–28 victory against the Chicago Bears, clinching the NFC North championship with a game-winning touchdown pass to Cobb. Rodgers also won the 2013 GMC Never Say Never Award for this come-from-behind victory.

2014: End of Contract Extension

In 2008, Aaron Rodgers signed a six-year contract extension through the 2014 season.

2014: Packers Lose to 49ers in Wild Card Round

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs, but they lost to the 49ers 23–20 in the Wild Card Round. Rodgers recorded only 177 yards passing and one touchdown pass. He was ranked No. 11 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

2014: NFL MVP Award

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers was voted league MVP by the Associated Press for the NFL season.

2014: Rodgers voted AP NFL Most Valuable Player

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers was voted the AP NFL Most Valuable Player, receiving 31 votes. He was also named NFC Offensive Player of the Year by the Kansas City Committee of 101, Fed-Ex Air NFL Player of the Year and named to the Pro Bowl.

2014: Rodgers injures calf against Lions, wins NFC Offensive Player of the Week

In 2014, during the Week 17 game against the Lions, Aaron Rodgers re-injured his left calf while throwing a touchdown pass. Despite the injury, he returned to lead the Packers to a 30-20 victory, securing their fourth straight NFC North title. Rodgers' performance earned him his fourth NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor for the 2014 season.

2014: Packers Overcome Slow Start to Season

The Packers started the 2014 season with a loss to the Seahawks. In Week 2, they came back from a 21–3 deficit to win against the Jets. The 18-point comeback marked the biggest comeback in Rodgers' career. Amid concerns over a 1-2 start, Rodgers told fans to "R-E-L-A-X."

December 3, 2015: "The Miracle in Motown": Rodgers throws Hail Mary to beat Lions

On December 3, 2015, Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard Hail Mary pass to Richard Rodgers with no time left on the clock to defeat the Detroit Lions 27-23. The game was extended due to a facemask penalty. The play was quickly dubbed "The Miracle in Motown."

2015: Rodgers has a down year

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers had a statistically weaker year compared to his usual performance, with career lows in passing yards (3,821), completion percentage (60.7%), yards per attempt (6.7), and passer rating (92.7). Jordy Nelson's absence due to injury was considered a contributing factor.

2015: Rodgers ranked second best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers was ranked as the second best player in the league among his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2015: Rodgers has first 300-yard passing game

In a Week 7 game against the Bears, Aaron Rodgers recorded 326 passing yards for his first 300-yard passing game since Week 10 of the 2015 season.

December 20, 2016: Rodgers selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl

On December 20, 2016, Aaron Rodgers was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and his sixth overall in his career.

2016: Packers' Offense Third-Most Points in a Season

As of 2016, the Packers' offense record of 560 points scored in a season in 2011 is the third-most ever in the NFL. Only the 2007 Patriots and the 2013 Broncos scored more.

2016: Rodgers sets career highs and leads the league in touchdown passes in 2016

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers finished with career highs in completions and attempts, with 40 touchdown passes, leading the league in that statistic. He also had career high in rushing yards with 369. He finished fourth in passing yards, completions, attempts, and passer rating.

2016: NFL Leader

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

2016: Rodgers leads Packers to playoffs, loses in NFC Championship

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a NFC North title and a playoff berth. They defeated the Giants and the Cowboys in the playoffs, eventually losing to the Falcons in the NFC Championship game.

2016: Packers reach Divisional Round, Rodgers named to Pro Bowl

In 2016, the Packers, as the fifth seed, defeated the Redskins in the Wild Card Round. In the Divisional Round against the Cardinals, Aaron Rodgers threw a Hail Mary to Jeff Janis to send the game into overtime, but they lost. Rodgers was named to his fifth Pro Bowl and was ranked sixth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2017: Rodgers ranked sixth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

Aaron Rodgers was ranked sixth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

2017: Rodgers throws 3 interceptions for first time since 2017

In 2022, against the Lions, Rodgers threw for 291 yards, a touchdown, and 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: Rodgers Becomes Limited Partner in Milwaukee Bucks

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

August 29, 2018: Rodgers signs four-year extension with 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.

December 18, 2018: Rodgers named to Pro Bowl, declines due to injury

On December 18, 2018, Aaron Rodgers was named to his seventh Pro Bowl, but he declined the appearance due to injury and was replaced by Russell Wilson.

2018: Rodgers ranked No. 10 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018

Aaron Rodgers was ranked No. 10 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

2018: NFL Leader

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

2019: Rodgers sets records for interception percentage and thrown away passes

Aaron Rodgers set NFL records for interception percentage for a season with 0.335% of his passes being intercepted, and for the number of thrown away passes in 2019.

2019: Rodgers leads Packers to playoffs, achieves perfect passer rating

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers helped lead 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, and finished the season with 4,002 passing yards.

2019: NFL Leader

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

2019: Rodgers starts season with new head coach Matt LaFleur

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers started the season with a new head coach in Matt LaFleur following the departure of Mike McCarthy. The Packers offense relied less on Rodgers' trademark passes.

December 21, 2020: Rodgers selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl.

On December 21, 2020, Aaron Rodgers was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl.

2020: NFL MVP Award

In 2020, Aaron Rodgers was voted league MVP by the Associated Press for the NFL season.

2020: Rodgers loses NFC Championship against the 49ers

In the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers in 2020, Aaron Rodgers completed 31 passes on 39 attempts and threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions as the Packers lost 37–20. The loss marked Rodgers' third consecutive NFC Championship loss. He was ranked 16th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

January 8, 2021: Rodgers named NFL MVP

On January 8, 2021, Aaron Rodgers was named the NFL MVP by the Pro Football Writers of America and also made the 2020 All-Pro Team first-team. Rodgers was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his performance in December after passing for 15 touchdowns and one interception in five victories for the Packers.

April 2021: Rodgers Guest Hosts Jeopardy!

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

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December 23, 2021: Named to tenth Pro Bowl

On December 23, 2021, Aaron Rodgers was named to his tenth Pro Bowl, adding to his impressive career accolades.

2021: Rodgers finishes the 2021 season

Aaron Rodgers finished the 2021 season with 4,115 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and four interceptions, marking a successful year.

2021: Charitable donation during Rodgers' Jeopardy! 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 $1 Million to Small Businesses

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

2021: Rodgers Honored by University of California, Berkeley

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

2021: NFL MVP Award

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers was voted league MVP by the Associated Press for the NFL season.

2021: Wins AP Most Valuable Player Award

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers won the AP Most Valuable Player Award and the FedEx Air Player of the Year after the Packers finished with a 13–3 record. He was also ranked 3rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

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2021: Bucks win the NBA Finals

In 2021, The Milwaukee Bucks, in which Aaron Rodgers is a limited partner, won the NBA Finals.

January 14, 2022: Earns fourth First-team All-Pro selection

On January 14, 2022, Aaron Rodgers earned his fourth career First-team All-Pro selection, solidifying his status as a top player.

2022: Rodgers' 2022 season

During the 2022 season, Rodgers played through a broken thumb he suffered in Week 5 and finished with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

2022: Wins AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award

In 2022, Aaron Rodgers won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award for the second consecutive season and the fourth time overall, and was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

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2022: Confirms return to the Packers for the 2022 season

On March 8, 2022, Aaron Rodgers confirmed his return to play for the Packers for the 2022 season, denying reports of a signed contract extension but confirming his 18th NFL season with the Packers.

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.

July 26, 2023: 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: Trade to the New York Jets

In 2023, Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets, where he spent two seasons.

2023: Rodgers is ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

Rodgers was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

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2024: Rodgers finishes the 2024 season

Aaron Rodgers finished the 2024 season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

2024: Rodgers Raises $3 Million for Charities

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

2024: Returns on Monday Night Football

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers returned on Monday Night Football and completed 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 32–19 loss to the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.

2024: Injured reserve

In 2024, Rodgers was placed on injured reserve. Despite missing most of the season, he was ranked 92nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

2024: Signed with the Steelers

In 2024, after being released by the Jets, Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers, whom he led to a division title that season.

2024: Conditional pick

On April 26, 2023, Rodgers was traded to the Jets. The trade involved a conditional second-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

January 5, 2025: Completes 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 with 500 touchdown passes.