Aaron Rodgers: The Ninth NFL Player to Surpass 60,000 Career Passing Yards

Historic Milestone for Rodgers at Tottenham Stadium

In a match against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Stadium, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers set a new record. The 40-year-old Rodgers became the ninth player in NFL history to exceed 60,000 passing yards in his career. He achieved this feat on foreign soil, with a 7-yard pass to tight end Tyler Conklin while the Jets were down 17-7. Despite throwing two interceptions and managing just 95 yards in the first half, Rodgers’ first second-half attempt to Conklin took him past the 60,000 mark.

Exclusive Club of NFL’s Elite Quarterbacks

Rodgers now joins an elite group of quarterbacks that includes Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, and Dan Marino. Prior to Rodgers, the most recent quarterback to cross this milestone was Matt Ryan, who accomplished it while playing for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. The milestone places Rodgers ninth on the all-time passing yardage list, and he remains fifth in career touchdown passes with 480, trailing Favre, his former Green Bay Packers teammate, by 27.

Rodgers Reflects on his Journey

Looking back on his career, Rodgers remarked, “It feels like I’ve been playing a long time and, naturally, this would be part of the process.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing and reaching significant milestones. He also thanked his teammates, acknowledging their contributions to his success.

The Journey from Green Bay to New York

Rodgers, who racked up 59,055 yards during his 18 seasons with the Packers, joined the Jets last year. A torn Achilles in the 2023 season opener limited his playing time to just four snaps, delaying his 60,000-yard milestone. Since succeeding Favre as the Packers’ starter in 2008, Rodgers has been consistently climbing the passing chart.

The Milestones of Rodgers’s Career

Over the years, Rodgers hit 10,000 yards in 2010 (a pass to Andrew Quarless), 20,000 in 2012 (Jordy Nelson), 30,000 in 2015 (Eddie Lacy), 40,000 in 2018 (Marquez Valdes-Scantling), and 50,000 in 2021 (Robert Tonyan). His longest completion was a 93-yard touchdown to Nelson in 2011, and he threw his most passing yards to any target, Davante Adams (7,529).

Reunion with Davante Adams on the Horizon?

Rodgers and Adams may soon reunite, as the Jets are reportedly interested in trading for the Las Vegas Raiders receiver.