Rodgers’ first touchdown of the night—a precision strike to tight end Tyler Conklin—marked a monumental milestone: his 500th career touchdown pass. This achievement places him among an elite group of quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. Rodgers ended the game with a stellar 23-of-36 for 274 yards and four touchdowns, a feat that had football pundits buzzing.
Greg Olsen, a Carolina Panthers icon and broadcaster for the game, praised Rodgers’ performance, stating:
“This is the best version of Aaron Rodgers we’ve seen all year. We’ve talked a lot about whether he can still play, whether he can still move, whether he can do all of the physical things. Coming into today, he had five touchdown passes under pressure or on the move through 17 weeks. He’s thrown four today – the most by any quarterback the entire season.”
Olsen’s comments highlight how Rodgers silenced critics questioning his capabilities, proving he can still deliver magic under pressure.
A Season of Resilience Amid Challenges
The 2025 season has been anything but smooth for Rodgers. After a devastating Achilles injury in the first game of his debut season with the Jets, the four-time MVP faced grueling rehab and doubts about his NFL future. Fast forward to today, Rodgers played through multiple nagging injuries, finishing the season with an impressive stat line: 63% completion rate, 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Rodgers’ comeback is a testament to his determination, especially considering his candid reflections about retirement during recovery:
“Yeah, I’m open to everything,” Rodgers remarked when asked about taking a pay cut to help the Jets manage their cap space.
Financial Challenges Loom for Jets and Rodgers
The Jets face significant financial decisions in the offseason. Rodgers’ contract carries a $23.5 million cap charge next season, along with a $35 million option bonus and a $2.5 million base salary. Additionally, the team must navigate Davante Adams’ hefty $35.64 million owed over the next two years, potentially restructuring his deal to create breathing room.
These financial hurdles raise questions about Rodgers’ future with the franchise. While he has expressed willingness to make sacrifices, the Jets’ front office must decide if the veteran quarterback fits into their long-term plans.
What’s Next for Rodgers and the Jets?
As Rodgers closes out a season filled with highlights and hurdles, the NFL world watches closely. Will he return under center for the Jets in 2026, or could he explore opportunities with another QB-needy team? Greg Olsen’s analysis and Rodgers’ historic performance suggest he still has plenty left in the tank.
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