Memorable Milestone: Aaron Rodgers Surpasses 60,000 Passing Yards in NFL

On October 6, 2024, the Jets’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, made another significant mark in NFL history. Rodgers, now 40, became the ninth player to cross the 60,000-yard passing milestone, a feat accomplished during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Stadium in London.

Rodgers’ Historic Achievement

Rodgers, who had been with the Jets for over a year, achieved this milestone with a 7-yard pass to teammate Tyler Conklin, despite being down 17-7. Rodgers had a slow game in the first half, throwing for only 95 yards with two interceptions. His pass to Conklin marked his first attempt of the second half.

This accomplishment places Rodgers in an elite group consisting of NFL greats Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, and Dan Marino.

Previous Entrants to the 60K Club and Rodgers’ Current Standings

The last quarterback to join this prestigious club was Matt Ryan, the former star of the Atlanta Falcons, who reached this milestone while playing for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 season opener. Now, Rodgers ranks ninth on the all-time yardage list and holds the fifth position for touchdown passes, currently at 480. He is just 27 touchdowns away from surpassing his former Green Bay Packers teammate, Brett Favre.

Rodgers, reflecting on his achievement, stated, “It feels like I’ve been playing a long time, and naturally, this would be part of the process. I’m thankful to be playing still now that there’s milestones like this to hit. … I’m grateful to all the guys that caught passes from me, all the guys that blocked for me.”

Rodgers’ Journey to the 60K Club

Rodgers transitioned to the Jets after 18 seasons with the Packers, bringing with him a total of 59,055 passing yards. His road to the 60K Club was delayed due to a torn Achilles injury in the 2023 season opener, which limited his play to just four snaps.

Since taking over Favre’s role as the Packers’ starter in 2008, Rodgers has consistently climbed the passing chart. He hit the 10,000-yard mark in 2010, 20,000 in 2012, 30,000 in 2015, 40,000 in 2018, and 50,000 in 2021. His most extended completion was a 93-yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson in 2011, with Davante Adams being the recipient of most of his passing yards (7,529).

Reuniting with Davante Adams?

Interestingly, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, his favorite target during their time in Green Bay, may soon reunite. The Jets have shown interest in trading for the Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver, potentially rekindling a successful quarterback-receiver partnership.