Big changes are on the horizon for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. With reports swirling about a fractured relationship with owner Woody Johnson, Rodgers is gearing up to find a new home as general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh have also left the building.

Despite the potential for a fresh start, it’s important to take a look back at Rodgers’ illustrious career and highlight some of his greatest moments on the gridiron.

#1. Replacing a Legend, Raising the Bar

Drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Aaron Rodgers understood the enormous shoes he was meant to fill by following the legendary Brett Favre as quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. His awareness of the pressure and expectations led to a natural charisma and sense of humor, which he displayed early on when responding to questions about succeeding Favre.

When Favre initially retired in 2008, then unretired and was traded to the Jets, Rodgers found himself at the center of a divided fanbase. Despite chants to “Bring back Brett” echoing during training camp, Rodgers remained composed, cleverly deflecting with humor.

Not only did Rodgers meet expectations, but he exceeded them by claiming MVP accolades and securing a Super Bowl title. His tenure was marked by his incredible ability to protect the football, throwing 231 fewer interceptions than Favre.

#2. 4 MVPs

Winning his fourth MVP award in 2020 was a defining moment in Aaron Rodgers’ illustrious career, putting him ahead of legends like Brett Favre, Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, and Tom Brady, and just one shy of Peyton Manning’s record five MVPs. That year, Rodgers was nothing short of sensational, navigating the season with brilliance despite playing through with a broken toe.

His performance included an impressive streak of seven consecutive games where he threw two or more touchdowns without a single interception. He became unique in NFL history as the only quarterback to lead the league in passer rating, touchdown percentage, and interception percentage twice.

Rodgers often spoke about the importance of living up to the standards set by his teammates, emphasizing the fulfillment he found in meeting those expectations.

This year, the Aaron Rodgers player odds for MVP have taken a hit, but he’s still listed in the favorites. The dilemma Rodgers faces might actually boost his chances of winning, as many think he needs a change in scenery.

#3. Chicago Owner

Before Brett Favre’s arrival in Green Bay, the Chicago Bears led their rivalry with a 24-game advantage. However, the tides shifted dramatically with Favre, and Aaron Rodgers didn’t just maintain the momentum—he accelerated it.

Rodgers famously declared, “I’ve owned you all my (bleeping) life! I own you! I still own you!” after a crucial touchdown run in Chicago in 2021, ending the game with a win. This wasn’t just bravado; he truly backed it up. With a 24-5 record against the Bears, or 25-4 if you count the pivotal 2010 NFC Championship Game, Rodgers dominated this rivalry.

Awe-inspiring was his performance on the road, winning 11 of his last 12 games at Soldier Field. Known for his precision, Rodgers threw 64 career touchdown passes against Chicago, enough to rank astonishingly high on their all-time list. His six-touchdown game on November 9, 2014, at Lambeau Field was nothing short of legendary, underscoring his mastery in this storied rivalry.

#4. Touchdown/Interception Legend

Aaron Rodgers has redefined the art of the touchdown-to-interception ratio, setting a standard that seems almost untouchable. Unlike any other quarterback, Rodgers masterfully balances aggressive playmaking with precision to minimize costly errors.

For every interception, he throws an astounding 4.52 touchdowns, a record-holding figure unparalleled in NFL history. This remarkable capacity for accuracy is even more striking when considering that Patrick Mahomes, a standout in his own right, trails with 3.92 touchdowns per interception.

To put this in perspective, Rodgers could suffer a staggering 16 consecutive interceptions while still maintaining his lead over Mahomes. Even if Mahomes engineered a historic surge of 30 uninterrupted touchdowns, Rodgers’ numbers would remain superior. Players like Russell Wilson and Tom Brady inhabit the rarefied atmosphere of more than 2.75 touchdowns per interception, yet only Rodgers has elevated it to an art form.

#5. Run the Table

In 2016, the Green Bay Packers found themselves at a pivotal moment after a crushing 42-24 defeat to Washington marked their fourth consecutive loss, leaving them with a discouraging 4-6 record. In the face of adversity, Aaron Rodgers made a bold proclamation, “I feel like we can run the table, I really do.”

True to his word, Rodgers led the Packers on a remarkable journey, completing 71.0 percent of his passes and achieving 15 touchdowns without a single interception over the final six games of the regular season. This momentum carried into the playoffs, where the Packers decisively defeated the Giants and narrowly overcame the Cowboys.

Ultimately, despite Green Bay’s spirited efforts, their season concluded in the NFC Championship Game against Atlanta, hindered by injuries to key players. Rodgers’ leadership and performance during this remarkable run became a testament to his resilience and ability to inspire his team against the NFL odds.

#6. Playoffs at Dallas

The 2016 divisional playoffs against Dallas provided one of the most thrilling finishes in Packers history. The game was tied at 28-28, courtesy of Dak Prescott’s clutch performance, setting the stage for Aaron Rodgers and kicker Mason Crosby to work their magic.

With 4 minutes left, Rodgers orchestrated a pivotal drive, punctuated by a strategic 16-yard completion to Davante Adams. This set up Crosby for a crucial 56-yard field goal, putting Green Bay ahead.

Yet, Prescott responded, leading Dallas to tie with Dan Bailey’s 51-yard field goal. With mere seconds left, Rodgers delivered a historic third-and-20 pass to Jared Cook, setting Crosby up for a game-winning 51-yard field goal, sealing Green Bay’s spot in the NFC Championship.

By Chris Bates