Aaron Rodgers is certainly a G.O.A.T., even if he’s not Tom Brady. But, now Rodgers is a step closer to Brady, at least when it comes to NFL statistics.
On Sunday, January 5, Rodgers hit a milestone in his career, and following the announcement about it, the NFL is also speaking out. No matter what you think of Rodgers, because he does rub some people the wrong way, it’s difficult to argue against him being one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.
Aaron Rodgers Announcement
The NFL is giving props to Rodgers after the New York Jets quarterback hit an impressive career milestone on Sunday. During the Jets’ Week 18 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Rodgers became just the fifth quarterback to pass the 500-touchdown tally. In doing so, he joined some legendary quarterbacks, including Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508) on the elite list. It’s not far-fetched to think he’ll surpass Favre if he stays in the NFL next season. That’s a big “if.”
Rodgers hit that mark about halfway through the second quarter of the game. At that point, he tossed a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Conklin, and the rest is NFL history.
The NFL announced Rodgers’ milestone on social media, stating, “AARON RODGERS. MR. 500.” Such news deserves more than just one post, and the NFL followed up that social message with more praise for Rodgers.
The NFL simply wrote, “Legendary” in the next post and also included a graphic with Rodgers’ stats in the game. Rodgers also needed the second-fewest games at 248 to hit 500 touchdowns, which makes it even more impressive.
The Jets finished their season with a a 5-12 record and no hopes for the playoffs. They beat the Dolphins on Sunday in a 32-20.
Aaron Rodgers Retirement Talk
That game against the Dolphins could have been the last in the NFL for Rodgers. It’s easy to tell that he’s feeling nostalgic right now, so there’s probably a reason for that, and that reason could be retirement.
As Rodgers talked about the New York Jets’ win over the Miami Dolphins during a postgame interview with Fox Sports reporter Pam Oliver on Sunday, Rodgers had a special moment with the commentator and expert. They’ve worked together for years at this point, so you know the idea of being on the field with her for one last time probably brought the feels.
While asking Rodgers about the game and his NFL career in the future, Rodgers ended the interview by saying to Oliver, “I love you, Pam.” The feeling was apparently mutual, because she responded, “I love you back.”
As for what’s on tap for him now, he told Oliver, “I’m gonna get home and relax. I’m gonna clear out my head and get healthy from the bumps and bruises from the season.”
Rogers added, “I’ve got a lot of gratitude right now; I’m gonna enjoy this tonight.”
Rodgers could be released by the Jets from the final year of his contract or simply opt to retire. He said he’s not making a decision yet but will soon.
“Once I get back out west, I’m gonna take my time and — I’m not gonna hold anybody up, I’m gonna have conversations tomorrow with everybody here with the Jets, and see what they’re thinking, and then make a decision before it gets too late in the offseason,” he said.
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