Aaron Rodgers has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Dropping to the 24th pick in the draft was somewhat humbling for the now Green Bay QB. Not only that, but Green Bay had drafted him so he would learn under one of the all time greats: Brett Favre. No one wants to wait several years to start a game whe expectations were high for the 21 year old player from Cal. But it was the hand he was dealt. Drafted in 2005, Rodgers finally got his shot in 2008 after Favre was traded to the New York Jets. Green Bay felt their backup was ready for the big task. Little did anyone know the impact Rodgers would have on the game of football.
Early Beginnings: 2005-09
Rodgers struggled mightily in the preseason games of his rookie season, and after a disappointing 4-12 season, head coach Mike Sherman was fired and Mike McCarthy was brought in to take over. McCarthy immediately put Rodgers in his "Quarterback school" for six hours a day several times a week. This focused on working on Rodgers's motor skills such as hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and mechanics. McCarthy also worked on Rodgers's release point, moving it from right beside the ear hole of his helmet to further below it, to give him a smoother release. Rodgers was also instructed to lower his body fat ratio from 15 percent to 12 percent. Rodgers was resistant to the changes at first but later commented that he thought they were for the better. During practice in 11-on-11 drills, Rodgers completed 62.7% of his passes with seven interceptions, and McCarthy commented that "He's getting better" and that "You're looking at a guy who's going to mature. He's got athletic ability that people still haven't seen."
Over the course of the next two seasons, Rodgers steadily showed improvement during practices and preseason games. The Packers felt confident that Rodgers was ready to take over for Favre who had begun to show his age through inconsistent play, resulting in their decision to trade Favre and give Rodgers starting duties.
Whatever doubts people had about Rodgers taking over the reins of one of the all time greats were quickly silenced when Rodgers threw for over 4,000 yards in '08 with 28 touchdown passes and only 13 interceptions (which remains a career high). The Packers missed the playoffs that year but no one was worried, as his play was exceptional for a player who had just gone through his first playing season. Rodgers' rookie contract went from '05-'09 with a total of $1.54 million a year (which is nothing in football) and he had only played one year to show he was the future. But that was seemingly enough for the Packers, as they handed him a new contract of $65 million over the course of six years after his successful 2008 campaign. The pressure was now on to deliver both in performance and in wins.
Rodgers rolling out in a game during the 2008 season campaign
2010 Super Bowl MVP and 2011 League MVP
After a stellar 2009 campaign that led to Rodgers' first playoff appearance against the Arizona Cardinals (which resulted in a 51-45 overtime loss and is considered one of the greatest quarterback duels of all time between Rodgers and Kurt Warner) and a pro bowl selection, a playoff appearance was no longer enough to satisfy for the Green Bay organization. They had established themselves as a top super bowl contender for years to come as long as they had Rodgers.
Rodgers did not disappoint.
Finishing 10-6, the Packers snuck into the playoffs slaying each team they faced with seemingly perfect ease. This led to a super bowl matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers sliced and diced the NFL's top defense defeating Pittsburgh 31-25 (don't let the score fool you - the game wasn't even close). Finishing with 24 of 39 pass attempts for 304 yards and three touchdowns in the win, Rodgers was awarded the SB MVP for his performance.
His final postseason stats were outstanding: 1,094 passing yards (fourth most all time), 9 touchdown passes (tied for fourth most all time), 2 rushing touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, while completing 68.2% of his passes for a passer rating of 109.8. From this postseason, Rodgers also became the only player to pass for at least 900 yards and rush for at least 2 touchdowns in a single postseason.
Rodgers would continue the hot streak into the 2011 season, putting together what many consider one of the best seasons by a single quarterback. The Packers dominated behind Rodgers masterful performance, finishing with a 15-1 record and standing as the overall #1 ranked team in the NFL. Rodgers set numerous NFL records in 2011. He recorded a passer rating of over 100.0 in thirteen games during the season, including twelve games in a row (both records), and a passer rating of 110.0 or higher in twelve games, including eleven in a row (also records). Rodgers campaign led to the number one seed and the league's highest honor: MVP award.
Rodgers throws a pass during his dominant 2011 MVP campaign
2012-present: Another MVP, Hail Mary's, Comebacks, and new Records = A New #1
The 2000's were marked by the incredible play of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and while both continued their hot play into the 2010's (Brady's super bowl appearances and win: 2011, 2014 and Manning's record setting seasons: 2013, 2014 and 2015), Rodgers dominated the stats and arguments of who was the best quarterback in the league. His playing style was something to behold: Throwing footballs better then anyone while being aggressive with his chances and yet never making mistakes. His ability to throw loads of touchdowns while throwing close to no INTs is incredible as he holds a career record 4.13 TD/INT ratio (it's crazy I know). I'm not going to list all of his records, but if you ever have time, look up his career records. It's unbelievable. Throw in the fact that he did't actually start any games for the first three years, his stats look more unbelievable. He's up there with the greats who've played much more than he has. With his style of play that includes scrambling, throwing on the run, and his ability to thread the needle anywhere on the field, he may not be the GOAT, but he is easily the greatest QB to ever throw a football.
But what's maybe the most impressive record(s) Rodgers holds?
Rodgers holds most every record regarding a QB rating. The most astonishing? After 12 years, Rodgers holds the highest CAREER passer rating (say what?): 100.4
With his recent surge (check out my first post on his 2016 if you haven't read it) reminding everyone he never left despite an up and down 2015 season, Rodgers has showed he has the confidence and straight up talent to overcome adversity with depleted rosters that most quarterbacks can't with a good surrounding cast. He's shown that when he's at the top of his game, his best is better then any other quarterbacks best. The Atlanta Falcons had exactly what they needed to counter the hot Packers last week: A MVP-like quarterback surrounded by one of the greatest offense in NFL history and a stingy defense. Imagine if Rodgers had something good going for him besides well... HIM. Nelson was playing with an injury, Cobb, Adams, and Cook aren't game changers. The running game was inconsistent while the defense was down right AWFUL. And yet Rogers still single handedly put up a surprising 21 points in a losing effort. Brady always had a great defense with a great coaching staff. Manning always had his systems and weapons. Between 2013-2016, the Packers faced all sorts of adversity in those years, but Rodgers led them to playoff berths every time. Despite playing through injuries to himself or fellow team-mates. If Rodgers continues this steady play for the bulk of his career, he will absolutely be in the argument for GOAT with Brady and Montana. Throw in a couple Super Bowl wins? He cements his case as the GOAT. But until he gets the wins and rings like Brady and Montana (4 Super Bowls each), he will just be in the discussion.
For now? Rodgers can revel in the fact that nobody plays better then he does. He truly is #1 right now. Not Ryan. Not Brees. Not Brady.
If Bill Belichick had the chance to take Rodgers for Brady right now, he'd take it. Because Rodger's best is better then anyone else's.
That concludes my three part series on QB Aaron Rodgers. Did you agree? Let me know your thoughts!
Rodgers celebrates with his now iconic dance move:
The Championship Belt (or the discount double-check for those who only watch commercials)