Aaron Rodgers has a reputation for his escapades, which haven’t gone unnoticed by the NFL world. The veteran quarterback has added another milestone to his storied NFL career, though this one might not find its way into his Hall of Fame speech.
Aaron Rodgers Surpasses Tom Brady for an Unwanted Record in the NFL
During the Jets’ Week 17 clash against the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers became the most sacked quarterback in NFL history, a record previously held by Tom Brady. It came as a surprise for Rodgers, who has dazzled fans with improbable throws and eye-opening touchdowns. Now, he owns a stat that’s both painful and oddly reflective of his longevity after 20 seasons in the league.
Rodgers’ path to this dubious honor speaks volumes about his career. At 40, he’s been a starter for nearly two decades, enduring countless hits while delivering countless highlights. NFL on CBS captured the paradox perfectly with a tweet quoting broadcaster Jim Nantz:
“You’ve gotta be pretty good to have that record.”
"Rodgers — now sacked the most of any quarterback in NFL history… You've gotta be pretty good to have that record."
– Jim Nantz as Aaron Rodgers passes Tom Brady in the NFL record book pic.twitter.com/QkITUJBLeK
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 29, 2024
The moment of infamy came in the third quarter when Buffalo’s Gregory Rousseau burst through the Jets’ offensive line to take Rodgers down. That sack pushed his career total to 566, officially surpassing Brady’s mark of 565. By the end of the game, Rodgers had been sacked three times, bringing his career tally to 567.
To put things in perspective, Rodgers’ milestone has placed the Jets quarterback alongside some of the league’s most durable quarterbacks. The all-time sack leaderboard includes names like Russell Wilson (556) and Ben Roethlisberger (554). However, Rodgers still trails Fran Tarkenton’s unofficial record of 570 sacks. Tarkenton’s career, which began before the NFL officially started tracking sacks in 1982, leaves Rodgers just three takedowns shy of undisputed sack supremacy.
Aaron Rodgers has now taken more career sacks than Tom Brady in 88 fewer games and 3,845 fewer dropbacks pic.twitter.com/Jvn68T62iG
— Tom Brady Facts (@TB_Facts) December 29, 2024
The Jets’ offensive struggles this season have undoubtedly contributed to Rodgers’ ascent in the record books. With 36 sacks allowed so far, the team’s offensive line has proved to be porous, raising questions for the New York fans.
READ MORE: NFL Offensive Line Rankings
Looking ahead, Rodgers’ record may not stand for long. Wilson is younger and just 11 sacks behind Rodgers, with a few seasons left in his career. Meanwhile, Rodgers has hinted that retirement could be on the horizon if the Jets do not wish to continue their arrangement with the quarterback after the end of the 2024 season.
Whether or not Rodgers keeps the title, it’s another chapter in the story of one of football’s most compelling quarterbacks, who has truly seen it all, including the turf, a bit too often.
