Spending 21 years in the NFL is no small feat. Aaron Rodgers’ career began under difficult circumstances with the Green Bay Packers, where franchise legend Brett Favre openly opposed his presence on the team. In those early years, Favre made Rodgers’ life miserable, but Rodgers overcame the hostility and ultimately proved himself, showing he was the right man to lead the franchise to championships.
This past Sunday, Rodgers reached a milestone that carried deep personal significance. He surpassed none other than Favre, the very man who complicated his early NFL journey, becoming the fifth quarterback with the most career touchdown passes at 509. Following the game, his teammate Cam Heyward revealed that Rodgers personally told him this would be his final season in the league.
It was actually yesterday, and we were talking,” Heyward said. “I was just like, ‘Congrats, you finally beat Brett.’ And he was like, ‘It only took 41 years to do that.’ And so he, you know, he made a comment, ‘Well, now I can just retire because that’s all I cared about.’
Heyward shared the exchange with Hayden Walsh, confirming Rodgers’ words.
The announcement was not entirely unexpected. During the offseason, Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move many interpreted as a final chapter to a storied career. Even before the season began, Rodgers hinted at his intentions on The Pat McAfee Show.
I played 20 fricking years.
Rodgers stated.
He added,.
It’s been a long run. I’ve enjoyed it, and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in the city that expects you to win.
A long journey nearing its end
From his very first touchdown pass to his most recent, Rodgers has now reached 509 career touchdown throws, surpassing Favre in the process. This achievement placed him fourth on the all-time list, trailing only Tom Brady with 649, Drew Brees with 571, and Peyton Manning with 539.
Rodgers’ historic 509th touchdown came on a 12-yard connection with DK Metcalf. Reflecting on the moment, Rodgers described it as part of a long, steady career.
It’s just a longevity achievement.
He explained.
Some touchdowns, you make exceptional plays. Some, the scheme is so good, like the one to (running back) Jaylen (Warren) in the game – all I’ve got to do is not screw it up. And then sometimes you throw a short one to a guy and he goes 60 and it goes in the column all the same.
The season started explosively for Rodgers, as he threw four touchdown passes in a dominant performance against the New York Jets. However, his production dipped significantly afterward, and he has yet to replicate that early success.
The Steelers hope Rodgers can regain that form in the coming weeks. For now, questions remain about whether he can finish strong, especially with an offensive line struggling to give him the protection he needs to execute plays and lead Pittsburgh to more victories before his storied career officially comes to a close.
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