EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a remarkable performance, Aaron Rodgers achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fifth player in NFL history to throw for 500 regular-season touchdown passes. This accomplishment took place during the New York Jets’ 32-20 triumph over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
In the second quarter, with the Jets facing a first-and-goal from the 5-yard line, Rodgers maneuvered in the pocket before delivering a precise pass to Tyler Conklin in the end zone, shifting the score to 7-6 in favor of New York with just under eight minutes remaining in the half. “Yeah, it was good, that was good,” remarked Rodgers after the play. “It was reminiscent of those classic red-zone touchdowns we executed so well in Green Bay, where a play breaks down, and you need to move up in the pocket while your teammates keep working.”
After celebrating the momentous occasion with his teammates in the end zone—where Conklin joyfully handed him the game ball and players embraced him—Rodgers received additional accolades on the sideline with more high-fives and hugs. He joined an elite group that includes NFL legends Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre in surpassing the 500-touchdown mark.
Rodgers’ passing touchdown against the Dolphins also marked his 25th of the season, achieving this feat for the 14th time in his career, tying him with Brees for the third-most seasons reaching that number. Only Brady and Manning boast more seasons in that category with 17 and 16, respectively.
During the game, he also eclipsed Matt Ryan, moving into seventh place on the NFL career passing yardage list with a total of 62,792 yards. With just under a minute left in the first half, he added his 501st touchdown with a 13-yard pass to Allen Lazard.
Rodgers went on to make history again with his 502nd touchdown pass—a 4-yard throw to Davante Adams—which marked the 83rd time the two have connected for a score, surpassing the previous record held by Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for the most touchdown connections between a quarterback and a receiver. He concluded his day with a 503rd touchdown, a 6-yard pass to Breece Hall with 2:30 left on the clock.
“Just an incredible talent, one of the greatest to ever play this game,” Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich stated, praising Rodgers’ performance. “He really showcased his skills out there.”
Rodgers, 41, faced some challenges in the game, including an interception on his initial pass. He entered the matchup just one touchdown short of reaching 500 after throwing his 499th touchdown on December 22 against the Los Angeles Rams.
After a difficult outing against Buffalo, where he didn’t throw any touchdowns and faced two interceptions while being sacked four times, he handed over quarterback duties to Tyrod Taylor toward the end of that game.
As for Rodgers’ future with the Jets, uncertainty looms. He has expressed a desire to remain with the organization if he chooses to continue his career, as he still has a year left on his contract. However, the team’s current direction appears unclear as they engage in searches for a new general manager and head coach, leading to speculation that the new leadership may decide to part ways with Rodgers as they consider their options for the upcoming season.
