New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers achieved a significant career milestone on Sunday by becoming the ninth player in NFL history to throw for 60,000 yards. This accomplishment took place during the Jets’ game against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Stadium in London.
Rodgers, who is 40 years old, reached the 60,000-yard mark with a 7-yard pass to tight end Tyler Conklin while the Jets were trailing 17-7. In the first half of the game, he managed to throw for only 95 yards, including two interceptions, and the completion to Conklin was his first of the second half.
Joining an elite group of quarterbacks, Rodgers now shares this milestone with renowned players such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, and Dan Marino. The last player to achieve this was Ryan, who reached the milestone while playing for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2022 season opener.
Currently, Rodgers ranks ninth on the all-time yardage list and holds fifth place for career touchdown passes with 480. He is 27 touchdown passes shy of catching Brett Favre, his former teammate at Green Bay.
“I feel like I’ve been playing a long time, and this milestone is a natural part of the process,” Rodgers reflected, expressing gratitude for still being able to play and achieve such feats. He acknowledged the contributions of teammates over the years, mentioning he couldn’t name them all but appreciated their support.
After spending 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers joined the Jets last year with 59,055 yards. He would have crossed the 60,000-yard threshold last season but was limited to just four snaps due to a torn Achilles during the 2023 season opener.
Since taking over as the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2008, Rodgers has steadily climbed the passing statistics. He reached 10,000 yards in 2010, 20,000 in 2012, 30,000 in 2015, 40,000 in 2018, and 50,000 in 2021.
Rodgers’ longest completion was a impressive 93-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson back in 2011, and his highest passing yard total to a single target is 7,529 yards with Davante Adams. Reports indicate that the Jets are interested in acquiring Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, which could lead to a reunion between the two.