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 football quarterback, celebrated for his exceptional talent and skill. He played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he established records for interception rates. In 2005, Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

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

1970: Passing Statistic

In 1970, yards per attempt became an official statistic in the NFL. In 2011, Aaron Rodgers had one of the highest all-time records since the passing statistic became an official stat.

1992: First time a QB other than Favre started

In 1992 marked the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Favre started a regular season game for the Packers. Aaron Rodgers ended the game with 178 yards passing and two touchdowns.

1996: Packers Set New Franchise Record

In 1996, the Packers set a new franchise record by scoring 461 total points, 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 while at Pleasant Valley High School.

2003: Record-Breaking Season

In 2003, Aaron 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 at Cal

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

2004: Record-Setting Performance and Heisman Trophy Nomination

In 2004, as a junior, Aaron Rodgers led Cal to a 10–1 record. During a game against USC, he set a school record for consecutive completed passes with 26 and tied an NCAA record with 23 consecutive passes completed in one game. Overall, he finished the 2004 season with 2,566 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting.

August 2005: Agreed to Deal with Packers

In August 2005, Aaron Rodgers agreed to a reported five-year, $7.7 million deal with the Green Bay Packers that included $5.4 million in guaranteed money.

December 19, 2005: Rodgers enters Game against Ravens

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

2005: Declared for the NFL Draft

After Texas was picked over Cal for a Rose Bowl berth, the fourth-ranked Bears were awarded a spot in the Holiday Bowl. After the season, Rodgers decided to forgo his senior season to enter the 2005 NFL draft.

2005: Expected to be Selected Early in NFL Draft

In 2005, Aaron Rodgers was expected to be selected early in the NFL draft due to his impressive numbers as a junior with 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.

November 19, 2006: Rodgers Breaks Foot

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

November 29, 2007: Replaced Favre Due to Injury

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

2007: Rumors of Potential Trade

Prior to the 2007 season, rumors surfaced about a potential trade involving Aaron Rodgers in which he would be traded to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Randy Moss. However, Moss was traded to the Patriots, and Rodgers stayed in Green Bay.

March 4, 2008: Favre's Retirement Announcement

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

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

2008: Starting Quarterback for the Packers

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

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.

2008: Peyton Manning MVP

Rodgers joined Manning as the only players in NFL history to win at least four MVPs. Rodgers became the fifth player to win consecutive MVPs and first since Peyton Manning between 2008 and 2009.

October 2009: NFC Offensive Player of the Month

In October 2009, Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month, when he passed for 988 yards, completed 74.5 percent of his passes, and recorded a passer rating over 110 for all three games played during the month.

2009: First Win in a Comeback

For the opening game of the 2009 season, Aaron 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.

2009: NFL Leader in Passing Interception Percentage

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

2009: Peyton Manning MVP

Rodgers joined Manning as the only players in NFL history to win at least four MVPs. Rodgers became the fifth player to win consecutive MVPs and first since Peyton Manning between 2008 and 2009.

2010: Super Bowl XLV Victory

In the 2010 season, Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory over the Steelers, earning the Super Bowl MVP award.

January 23, 2011: NFC Championship Win

On January 23, 2011, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 21–14 victory over the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game, despite having a 55.4 passer rating.

2011: Playoff Performance and NFL Ranking

In 2011, 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 four quarterbacks to record over 300 yards passing, with at least three touchdown passes, and no interceptions in a Super Bowl. He was ranked 11th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Record-Breaking Season

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers finished the season with a passer rating of 122.5, the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history. He also broke franchise records for passing yards, touchdown passes, and passer rating. He was also named NFC Offensive Player of the Month multiple times during the season.

2011: NFL Records and MVP Award

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

2011: Associated Press Athlete of the Year and NFL MVP

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year. He was also voted league MVP by the Associated Press for the 2011 NFL season and led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio, passer rating, and touchdown passing percentage.

2011: Victory Over the Saints

In 2011, despite the NFL lockout, Rodgers led the Packers to a 42–34 victory over the Saints. Rodgers passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

2011: Offensive Player of the Week Honors and Winning Streak

In 2011, during Week 4, Aaron Rodgers earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor after a 49–23 victory over the Denver Broncos, where he had 408 passing yards, four touchdowns, and ran for two touchdowns. He also earned the same honor in Week 9. In the same year, Rodgers and the Packers started with a 13-0 record, which tied the NFC record.

2011: Playoff Loss and All-Pro Honor

In 2011, the Packers were upset by the New York Giants in the Divisional Round. Rodgers finished the game with 264 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and an interception. He was named to the Pro Bowl for his 2011 season to go along with a First-team All-Pro honor.

2012: NFL Leader in Multiple Categories

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

2012: Playoff Performance and Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2012, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a victory against the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round, but they were later defeated by the 49ers in the Divisional Round. Rodgers earned his third career Pro Bowl nomination for his performance in the 2012 season.

2012: NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

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 NFL history at the time.

2013: NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

2013: Return from Injury and Game-Winning Touchdown

In 2013, after returning from an injury, Aaron Rodgers threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season finale against the Bears, clinching the NFC North with a game-winning touchdown pass to Randall Cobb. Rodgers won the 2013 GMC Never Say Never Award for this.

2014: Season Debut and Comeback Win

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers lost their regular season debut against the Seahawks, but later achieved an 18-point comeback victory against the Jets. The Packers had a slow start to the season at 1-2, with Rodgers telling the fans and the media to "R-E-L-A-X."

2014: Playoff Loss to 49ers and NFL Ranking

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs but lost to the 49ers in the Wild Card Round. 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 2014 NFL season. He also led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio and passing interception percentage.

2014: Contract Extended Through 2014 Season

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

May 2015: Appearance on Celebrity Jeopardy!

In May 2015, Aaron Rodgers appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Jeopardy!, winning $50,000 for his charity.

Loading Video...

December 3, 2015: "The Miracle in Motown" Hail Mary Pass

On December 3, 2015, Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard Hail Mary pass to Richard Rodgers as time expired to secure a 27–23 victory against the Lions. The play was quickly named "The Miracle in Motown".

2015: First 300-yard Passing Game Since Week 10 of 2015 Season

During a Week 7 game, Aaron Rodgers had his first 300-yard passing game since Week 10 of the 2015 season, recording 326 passing yards in the 26–10 win.

2016: NFL Leader in Multiple Categories

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

2017: First time since Week 15 of 2017 that Rodgers threw three interceptions in a game

In 2022, Rodgers finished the season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. It was also 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 ownership group

In April 2018, Aaron Rodgers became 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: Signed Four-Year Extension with Packers

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

2018: NFL Leader in Multiple Categories

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

2019: New Head Coach for 2019 Season

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers began the season with a new head coach, Matt LaFleur, following the departure of Mike McCarthy. The Packers offense shifted its focus, incorporating heavy formations and play-action throws to capitalize on Aaron Jones' running abilities.

2019: Led Packers to 3-0 Start in 2019 Season

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers helped lead the Packers to a 3-0 start with victories over the Bears, Vikings, and Broncos.

2019: NFL Leader in Passing Interception Percentage

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

2020: NFL MVP Award

In 2020, Aaron Rodgers was voted league MVP by the Associated Press for the 2020 NFL season. He also led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio, passing interception percentage, passer rating, touchdown passing percentage, total touchdowns, touchdown passes, and completion percentage.

April 2021: Guest host on Jeopardy!

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

Loading Video...

December 23, 2021: Named to Pro Bowl

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

2021: Donation to small businesses in California

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

2021: Participation in The Match IV and VI

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

2021: Honored for charitable work by UC Berkeley

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

2021: NFL MVP Award

In 2021, Aaron Rodgers was voted league MVP by the Associated Press for the 2021 NFL season. He also led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio, passing interception percentage, and passer rating.

2021: Rough start to the 2021 season

In 2021, Rodgers had a rough start to the season, completing 15 of 28 passes for 133 yards and two interceptions in a 38–3 loss to the Saints. He was pulled in the fourth quarter, but the Packers recovered with a seven-game winning streak.

2021: Charitable donation during Jeopardy! appearance

In 2021, during his appearance as Jeopardy! guest host, the show made a charitable donation equal to the cumulative winnings of the contestants for those ten shows.

Loading Video...

2021: Milwaukee Bucks win NBA Finals

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

2021: AP Most Valuable Player Award and FedEx Air Player of the Year

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

2021: Finished the 2021 season with impressive stats

Rodgers finished the 2021 season with 4,115 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and four interceptions, also earning NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors.

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

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

2022: Won AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award

After the 2021 season, in 2022, Rodgers won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award for the second consecutive season and the fourth time overall.

2022: Rodgers finishes the 2022 season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions

2022: Confirmed return to the Packers for the 2022 season

On March 8, 2022, Rodgers confirmed his return to the Packers for the 2022 season after speculations about retirement or a trade. He denied reports of a specific contract but confirmed he would play his 18th NFL season with the Packers.

April 26, 2023: Traded to the Jets

On April 26, 2023, Rodgers was traded to the Jets along with draft picks, in exchange for the Jets' draft selections. He chose to wear No. 8, echoing Brett Favre's career path.

July 26, 2023: Agreed to reworked contract with the Jets

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

2023: Trade to the New York Jets

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

2023: Ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023

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.

2024: Rodgers ranked 92nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024

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

2024: Fundraising for charities with flag football tournament

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

2024: Support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign

In 2024, Aaron Rodgers voiced his support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his presidential campaign. Kennedy reportedly considered Rodgers as a potential vice presidential running mate.

2024: Return after Achilles injury

In 2024, Rodgers returned after an Achilles injury, completing 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: Signed with the Steelers

In 2024, after being released by the Jets, Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers and led them to a division title.

2024: Conditional draft selection

On April 26, 2023, Rodgers was traded to the Jets, along with the Packers' first and fifth-round selections in the 2023 NFL draft, in exchange for the Jets' first, second (via Cleveland) and sixth-round selections in the 2023 draft and a conditional second-round selection (which would have converted to a first if Rodgers played 65% of the offensive snaps in 2023, but it did not happen) in the 2024 NFL draft.

2024: Finished the 2024 season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions

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

January 5, 2025: Completed his 500th touchdown pass

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

February 13, 2025: Jets announced their intention to part ways with Rodgers

On February 13, 2025, the Jets announced their intention to part ways with Rodgers after two seasons, releasing him as a post-June 1 designation.

June 6, 2025: Agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers

On June 6, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with Rodgers on a one-year deal.

June 23, 2025: Rodgers told McAfee on his show that he would likely retire after the 2025 season.

On June 23, 2025, Rodgers told McAfee on his show that he would likely retire after the 2025 season.

2025: Most Interceptions Thrown in a Season

As of the 2025 season, Aaron Rodgers' first season as a starter still stands as the most interceptions he has thrown in a season.

2025: Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title and a playoff berth

In 2025, Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title and a playoff berth following a Week 18 win over the Baltimore Ravens. He finished the 2025 season throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and rushing for a touchdown.