Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the fifth player to throw 500 career touchdown passes when he connected with Tyler Conklin on a 5-yard scoring pass in the second quarter of New York’s season-ending 32-20 victory over the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
The milestone touchdown throw came in what could be the final game of Rodgers’ 20-year NFL career. He threw a season-best four touchdowns to place his total at 503.
Rodgers joins Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508) in the exclusive club.
Conklin, a tight end, found a crease in the end zone and was wide open when Rodgers connected with him with 7:57 left in the second quarter. Rodgers joined his celebrating teammates in the end zone and Conklin gave him the ball.
“It was kind of an old-school red zone touchdown like we did in Green Bay,” Rodgers said, referencing the team he played with for 18 seasons.
Rodgers threw No. 501 later in the second quarter when he hit wide receiver Allen Lazard on a 13-yard touchdown pass for a 15-6 lead on the Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J. He later threw scoring passes to long-time pal Davante Adams and Breece Hall.
The 41-year-old Rodgers tossed 475 touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers and the rest have come with the Jets.
Rodgers’ future is a huge topic. He has said he is unsure if he will play a 21st season, while indicating it probably won’t be with the Jets if he decides to play in 2025.
“I just need some time away to think about my future in the game and my future here, if they want me to be part of the next phase or if they’re ready to move on,” Rodgers said after the contest. “Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here.
“That just comes down to the desire on their side and ultimately my desire, kind of take some time mentally and physically to rest and relax.”
Rodgers said he has no regrets about joining the Jets. His first season in 2023 ended on the fourth snap of the season when he tore his Achilles. This season, he has shown signs of decline and the organization has gone through a lot of chaos during a 5-12 campaign.
“It takes concerted and intentional effort to make change. It takes people pulling in the same direction. It takes a top-down focus to create a culture where winning is the standard and not the hope,” Rodgers said. “I put my heart into this. I wanted it really bad. And it didn’t work this year. We came up short. And I played four (snaps) last year. It’s overall disappointing. But the beauty of this game is that every year is a new year.
“I have a lot of love for this organization. I hope it gets turned around. If I’m back part of it, then I’ll do everything in my power to turn it around.”
–Field Level Media
