East Rutherford, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers made history on January 5, 2025, becoming the fifth player ever to throw 500 regular-season touchdown passes, achieving the milestone during the New York Jets' 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins. This remarkable achievement unfolded as the Jets were desperately seeking to salvage pride at the close of their disappointing season.
The landmark moment came during the second quarter, when, facing first-and-goal from Miami's 5-yard line, Rodgers evaded pressure and zipped the ball to Tyler Conklin for the game’s first touchdown. "Yeah, it was good, that's good," Rodgers said after the game, reflecting on the play. Recalling his glory days with the Green Bay Packers, he added, "It was kind of like old-school red-zone touchdown like we did for so long." The celebration was brief but heartfelt, with Conklin handing the ball to Rodgers amid jubilant teammates cheering him on.
Alongside legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre, Rodgers solidified his place among the elite with this achievement, raising his TD count to 25 on the season. This not only marked the 14th time Rodgers has reached the 25-touchdown plateau, but it tied him with Brees for the third-most seasons achieving this feat, trailing only Brady and Manning.
The historic 500th pass wasn't Rodgers' only highlight. He threw his 501st touchdown pass to Allen Lazard just before the half and later connected with Davante Adams for touchdown number 502, making history again as the duo surpassed Dan Marino and Mark Clayton's longstanding quarterback-wide receiver touchdown combination record.
Yet, the victory and record-setting performances were overshadowed by the turmoil surrounding the Jets. The team struggled mightily throughout the season, finishing with just five wins against twelve losses. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged Rodgers' legacy, saying, "One of the greatest who has ever played this game... He put on full display again."
Despite the personal triumphs, questions loom over Rodgers' future with the Jets. After suffering through injury struggles and the team’s dismal performance, he faces uncertainty about whether to continue playing or retire from the sport entirely. With one year left on his contract, Rodgers stated, "I know I can still play. I know I can still do the things I need to do to be successful. It just boils down to the desire on their side and, inevitably, my desire to play."
At 41, Rogers is more aware than ever of the physical toll of the game, especially following his recent Achilles injury. "It feels good to be able to do some of the things the last five or six weeks... But either way I won't be upset or offended, whatever they decide to do, if they want to move on," he noted, foreshadowing what could be his exit from the team.
The Jets are now reevaluing their priorities. Owner Woody Johnson expressed his disappointment with the season's outcome but remains hopeful: "We ended up well. I don’t care about anything else... But a win at the end was good... Sure, the Jets won — but they didn’t end well.” The uncertainty surrounding coaching and management changes only complicates how the Jets will handle Rodgers and his future.
The Jets' roster, which once included high hopes for playoff contention due to the addition of Rodgers, now faces a full-scale restructuring. The hiring of new leadership could mean letting go of veteran talent like Rodgers as the organization seeks to redirect its course. “It’s hard for a team to win when your coach and GM (are) getting fired halfway through the season,” remarked running back Breece Hall, underlining the disruption faced throughout the year.
Rodgers has been no stranger to change, having navigated various seasons with the Packers before his shift to New York. He once remarked feeling the need to weigh his options, saying, "I just felt like it was time to go separate ways." The same contemplative mood surrounds his current situation as he prepares for what may be his final decisions about returning to the field.
Completing the season with over 3,800 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, his statistics remain impressive, but they may be marred by the overall lack of team success. Adams shared his admiration for Rodgers, recalling, "I’ve always told him I appreciate him ... There’s not really too many people out there like him. He’s really one of one." These affirmations suggest deep respect within the locker room, adding to the complexity surrounding the decision-making process for both Rodgers and the Jets.
Looking forward, the question remains as to whether Rodgers will seek to continue his career with the Jets, return elsewhere, or retire altogether. His departure could mark the end of an era not only for him personally but for the franchise as they seek to rebuild. Rodgers concluded his press conference reflecting on the need for change, stating, "It takes people following the same direction... If I’m back part of it, I’ll do everything I can to get it turned around." This sentiment encapsulates the mixed emotions of triumph on the field and uncertainty as the Jets forge their path forward.