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 an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He previously played college football at the University of California, where he set school records for low interception rates. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, Rodgers is widely considered one of the greatest and most talented quarterbacks in NFL history. His career has been marked by exceptional skill and performance, solidifying his reputation in the sport.

Sections (5)

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

1962: Tied Record with Y.A. Tittle

In 2013, Aaron Rodgers 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.

1969: Tying Daryle Lamonica's Record

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

1970: Passing Statistic

Since 1970, Aaron Rodgers had a yards per attempt of 9.2, which is the fourth-highest all-time since it became an official statistic.

1992: Rodgers Debut

In 2008, with Rodgers making his debut as a starter, the Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field, marking the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Favre started a regular season game for the Packers.

1996: Packers Franchise Record

In 2009, 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 at Pleasant Valley High School.

2003: Tied school season record

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 at Cal

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

2004: Junior Season at Cal

In 2004, Aaron Rodgers led Cal to a 10-1 record and a top-five ranking, finishing the season with 2,566 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

August 2005: Agreed to Packers Deal

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

December 19, 2005: First Game against the 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 NFL Draft

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

2005: Expected Early Draft Selection

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

November 29, 2007: Rodgers Replaced Favre in Game Against Cowboys

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

2007: Favre Stays with the Packers

In 2007, Brett Favre announced that he would stay with the Packers for the season, delaying Rodgers' hopes of becoming the starting quarterback, though trade rumors involving Randy Moss circulated.

March 4, 2008: Favre's Retirement Opens Door for Rodgers

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

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: Most Interceptions since 2008

In 2008 it was the previous time Rodgers threw so many interceptions in a 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: Peyton Manning MVP

In 2008, Peyton Manning also won the MVP award.

2008: Unique touchdown celebration

Since becoming a starter in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has become known for his unique touchdown celebration, which he and his teammates have dubbed the "Championship Belt."

2009: Tying Most Points Scored

During the 2014 game against the Chicago Bears, The Packers' 55–14 victory tied the team's 55–7 win vs. the Titans in 2009 for the most points scored by a Rodgers-led offense.

2009: Comeback Victory against the Bears

For the opening game of the 2009 season, Aaron Rodgers led a comeback victory, completing a fifty-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings to secure a 21-15 win over the Chicago Bears.

2009: Lowest Passing Interception Percentage Leader

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

2009: Peyton Manning MVP

In 2009, Peyton Manning also won the MVP award.

2010: Rodgers' Performance Against Seattle

In a Week 14 game in 2016, Rodgers recorded a 150.8 passer rating against the Seahawks, which was 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 over the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning the Super Bowl MVP award.

January 23, 2011: NFC Championship Victory

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

2011: Multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week Honors

During the 2011 season, Aaron Rodgers earned three NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. In Week 4, Rodgers had 408 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception against 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 had 247 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Chargers. The Packers started 13-0, tying the NFC record for consecutive wins to start a season.

2011: Playoff Passing Performance

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 only four quarterbacks to record over 300 yards passing, 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. He was ranked 11th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Record-Setting Season

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers had a record-setting season. He finished with 4,643 passing yards, 45 touchdown passes, and six interceptions, resulting in 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 and FedEx Air Player of the Week awards. 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. 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: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors

In 2011, Aaron Rodgers was named to the Pro Bowl and received First-team All-Pro honors. The Packers were upset by the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in the Divisional Round by the score of 37–20. The 2011 Packers became the only team in NFL history to go 15–1 and not win a playoff game.

2011: NFL MVP Award

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

2011: Victory Over the Saints

In 2011, despite the NFL lockout impacting off-season workouts, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a 42–34 victory over the Saints. Rodgers earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award with 312 passing yards and three touchdowns.

2011: Rodgers Achieves Feat Against Broncos

In 2018, against the Jets, Aaron 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.

2012: Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2012, Aaron Rodgers earned his third career Pro Bowl nomination. In the playoffs, the Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24–10 in the Wild Card Round, and were then beaten 45–31 by the 49ers in the Divisional Round.

2012: Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio Leader

In 2012, Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio.

April 26, 2013: Contract Extension with Packers

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

2013: Return from Injury and Game-Winning Touchdown

In 2013, after returning from injury, Aaron Rodgers threw for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions against the Bears. He connected with Cobb for a 48-yard game-winning touchdown to clinch the NFC North.

2014: Playoff Loss to 49ers

In 2014, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs, where they lost to the 49ers for the fourth consecutive time, 23–20 in the Wild Card Round. Rodgers recorded 177 passing yards, his lowest in a playoff game, and one touchdown pass.

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 and Fed-Ex Air NFL Player of the Year. In addition, he was named to the AP All-Pro team and the Pro Bowl for the 2014 season.

2014: Rodgers Re-injures Calf, Leads Packers to Victory

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

2014: Contract Extension End

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

May 2015: Celebrity Jeopardy! Appearance and Win

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

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December 3, 2015: "The Miracle in Motown"

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

2015: Rodgers Breaks Out of Slump

After struggling for a while, Rodgers finally had his first 300-yard passing game since Week 10 of the 2015 season in a win against the Bears.

2015: Rodgers' Down Year

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers had a down year by his standards, throwing for a career low 3,821 yards in which he played for at least 15 games. His completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating were also career lows. Jordy Nelson's absence due to injury was a contributing factor.

2015: Rodgers Ranked Second Best Player

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

2015: Rodgers' Early Season Struggles

Throughout the first five games of the 2015 season, Rodgers' struggles continued. His completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating were all similar to his 2015 numbers. He also fumbled five times, and lost two. His lackluster performance through those games caused much speculation about the causes of his problems.

December 20, 2016: Rodgers Selected to Pro Bowl

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

2016: Rodgers' Statistical Achievements

In 2016, Aaron Rodgers achieved career highs in completions, attempts, and rushing yards, and led the league with 40 touchdown passes. He finished fourth in passing yards, completions, attempts, and passer rating. Among quarterbacks, he finished third in rushing yards and fifth in rushing touchdowns.

2016: Rodgers Leads Packers to Playoffs

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

2016: Total Touchdowns Leader

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

2016: Rodgers' Early Season Struggles Continued

Throughout the first five games of the 2016 season, Rodgers' struggles from the 2015 season appeared to continue. Through those games, he completed 60.2% of his passes, averaged 6.5 yards per attempt, and posted a passer rating of 88.4—all of which were similar to his 2015 numbers. He also fumbled five times, and lost two. His lackluster performance through those games caused much speculation about the causes of his problems.

2017: First time throwing three interceptions in a game since Week 15 of the 2017 season

In 2017, 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 Ownership Group

In April 2018, Aaron Rodgers became 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: Rodgers Signs Four-Year Extension

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

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 Returns from Injury, Placed Back on IR

After returning from injury, on December 2, 2018, and being cleared to play, Aaron Rodgers started in Week 15 against the Panthers, but was placed back on injured reserve after the Packers were eliminated from playoff contention. He was ranked No. 10 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

2018: Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio Leader

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

2019: Rodgers' Season Performance and Records

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers finished the season with impressive stats, including setting NFL records for interception percentage and the amount of thrown away passes. He was ranked eighth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

2019: Rodgers Leads Packers to Playoffs

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 was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Rodgers finished the 2019 season with 4,002 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and four interceptions.

2019: Lowest Passing Interception Percentage Leader

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

2019: Rodgers Under New Head Coach

In 2019, Aaron Rodgers started the season with a new head coach in Matt LaFleur. The Packers offense relied less on Rodgers' trademark passes and more on heavy formations and play-action throws to take advantage of running back Aaron Jones.

December 21, 2020: Rodgers Selected for 2021 Pro Bowl

On December 21, 2020, Aaron Rodgers was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl. Rodgers was also named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his performance in December.

2020: Rodgers' Playoff Performance and Ranking

In 2020, during the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers completed 16 passes. Rodgers' loss in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers marked his 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 Makes All-Pro Team, Named NFL MVP

On January 8, 2021, Aaron Rodgers made the 2020 All-Pro Team first-team and was named the NFL MVP by the Pro Football Writers of America.

April 2021: Jeopardy! Guest Host Stint

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 his tenth Pro Bowl

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

2021: Rodgers' 2021 Season

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

2021: $1 Million Donation to Small Businesses

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

2021: Recognition for Charitable Work at UC Berkeley

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

2021: Charitable Donations from Jeopardy! Appearance

In 2021, during Aaron Rodgers' appearance as Jeopardy! guest host, the show donated an amount equal to the cumulative winnings of the contestants to charity.

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2021: Milwaukee Bucks Win NBA Finals

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

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

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

2022: Rodgers' 2022 season

In 2022, Aaron Rodgers finished the season with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, which marked the most for Rodgers in a single season since 2008. He was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2022: Won 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, becoming the fifth player to win consecutive MVPs and joined Peyton Manning as the only players in NFL history to win at least four MVPs.

2022: Confirmed return to the Packers for 2022 season

On March 8, Aaron Rodgers confirmed that he would return and play for the Packers for the 2022 season after speculations that Rodgers could retire or demand a trade to another team.

April 26, 2023: Traded to the Jets

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 the Jets' first, second (via Cleveland) and sixth-round selections in the 2023 draft and a conditional second-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

July 26, 2023: Agreed 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.

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.

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

2024: Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers

After being released by the Jets, Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers in 2024 and led them to a division title that season.

2024: Jets draft

In 2024 the Jets draft picks changed based on Rodgers performance.

2024: Charity 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.'s presidential campaign. Kennedy reportedly considered Rodgers as a potential vice presidential running mate.

2024: Rodgers' 2024 Season

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

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

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

January 5, 2025: Completed 500th touchdown pass

On January 5, 2025, Aaron Rodgers completed his 500th touchdown pass to Tyler Conklin at MetLife Stadium 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 Aaron Rodgers after two seasons.

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

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

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

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

2025: Most Interceptions thrown in one season

As of the 2025 season, 2008 still stands as the season where Aaron Rodgers has thrown the most interceptions.

2025: Rodgers' 2025 season

In 2025, Aaron 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.