Aaron Rodgers Joins the Elite 500 Touchdown Club
In the world of professional football, milestones are celebrated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for legends. And on a chilly Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the New York Jets’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, etched his name into the annals of NFL history once again. Playing in what might be the final game of his illustrious career, Rodgers achieved a feat that only a select few have managed before him.
With a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Conklin, Rodgers threw his 500th career touchdown, joining an exclusive club that includes some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. This achievement places him alongside Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and his former teammate Brett Favre. It’s a testament to Rodgers’ enduring talent and his ability to perform at the highest level, even at the age of 41.
As the Jets took a 7-6 lead with 7:57 left in the second quarter, Conklin handed the ball to Rodgers, who then jogged off the field to a warm embrace from interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. It was a moment of celebration not just for Rodgers, but for the entire Jets organization and their fans, who have witnessed a season of ups and downs.
Rodgers’ Journey to 500 Touchdowns
Reaching 500 touchdowns is no small feat. It requires consistency, skill, and a bit of magic that only a few possess. Rodgers’ journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. He has been a beacon of excellence, guiding his teams with precision and poise.
- Tom Brady: 649 touchdowns
- Drew Brees: 571 touchdowns
- Peyton Manning: 539 touchdowns
- Brett Favre: 508 touchdowns
- Aaron Rodgers: 500 touchdowns
Rodgers had been sitting on 499 touchdowns for eight quarters, as the Jets’ offense struggled in losses to the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. In the days leading up to the game against the Miami Dolphins, Rodgers expressed his desire to reach the milestone, saying, “I would be fine sleeping in my bed 20 years from now with 499, but 500 definitely looks better on paper.”
The Uncertain Future
As Rodgers reflects on his career and this latest achievement, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he will return for a 21st season. He is under contract for 2025, but the chances of him returning to the Jets seem uncertain. Rodgers himself has acknowledged the possibility of being part of sweeping changes with a new regime on the horizon.
Earlier this season, Rodgers also became the eighth player to reach the 60,000-yard mark, further solidifying his place among the greats. He passed Matt Ryan on Sunday with a 30-yard pass to Davante Adams, moving to seventh on the all-time list.
As the offseason approaches, Rodgers will take time to evaluate his options. Whether he decides to hang up his cleats or return for another season, his legacy is already cemented. For now, fans and analysts alike will savor this moment, celebrating a player who has given so much to the game.
In the end, Aaron Rodgers’ 500th touchdown is more than just a number. It’s a symbol of his enduring greatness and a reminder of the incredible journey he’s had in the NFL. As we look back on his career, we can only marvel at the milestones he’s achieved and the memories he’s created on the field.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
