NFL
Aaron Rodgers passes Tom Brady record while trying to achieve completely different milestone
The text had already been written to celebrate the legendary achievement from the current Jets quarterback, but that was not the story of the night.
Aaron Rodgers walked into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with one eye on history and the other on redemption. The New York Jets quarterback needed just two touchdown passes to hit the 500-mark – a milestone reached by only a handful of NFL legends. But by the final whistle, Rodgers had achieved a record of a very different kind.
In the Jets’ crushing 40-14 loss, Rodgers became the most sacked quarterback in NFL history, overtaking Tom Brady’s 565 sacks with his 568th career takedown. Not exactly the celebration Rodgers had in mind.
How Aaron Rodgers ended up breaking this record
Rodgers’ reputation as a future Hall of Famer remains untouchable, but his path to this particular record has been paved with questionable offensive lines and relentless defensive pressure. Sunday was no different. The Buffalo Bills swarmed Rodgers all game, sacking him four times and even forcing a safety in the first half.
This ignominious achievement adds another layer to what has been a brutal season for Rodgers and the Jets. After arriving in New York with sky-high expectations, the team sits at 4-12, locked out of the playoffs yet again. The Jets’ last winning season was in 2015, and their last postseason appearance came when most of today’s rookies were still in high school. Rodgers, now 41, has been sacked 37 times this season alone.
Sacking caveat for Rodgers and Brady
Being sacked 568 times isn’t the kind of record quarterbacks aspire to break. But it does come with a peculiar silver lining: longevity. For better or worse, getting sacked this many times means you’ve played enough games to rack up the hits, with Rodgers having suited up for 247 career games.
As mentioned above, Rodgers’ sack total narrowly edges out Brady’s 565, with Russell Wilson not far behind at 556.
Rodgers hopes to join 500 club
Rodgers’ pursuit of touchdown No. 500 stalled on Sunday, with the quarterback throwing for just 112 yards and two interceptions before being benched in the fourth quarter. Backup Tyrod Taylor stepped in and promptly threw two touchdown passes, adding insult to injury.
The frustration was evident in Rodgers’ postgame remarks. “It’s kind of like the season just got away from us,” he said. “Too many games got away from us. This game got away from us.”
What’s next for Rodgers and the Jets?
The Jets’ season wraps up next week against the Miami Dolphins, and with it, questions about Rodgers’ future will only intensify. Will he return for another shot at glory, or has this dismal season marked the end of a remarkable career?
Rodgers himself remains noncommittal. “I’m going to enjoy next week and then take some mental and physical rest,” he said.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.