Aaron Rodgers just made history by becoming the most sacked quarterback in the NFL‘s history, and he might be the only one who can turn this unwanted laurel into a badge of honor with his classic humor. In a career filled with flabbergasting throws, dramatic comebacks, and MVP trophies, the New York Jets’ star quarterback accepted his less glamorous milestone in the most amusing way possible.
Aaron Rodgers Handles His Unwanted Record With Wit
During the Jets’ Week 17 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers officially became the most-sacked quarterback in NFL history, surpassing none other than legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who has a record of 565 sacks to boast.
Rodgers was congratulated by the reporters on this newly added honor in the postgame conference, and the veteran addressed the record with a grin and his signature dry wit, saying, “Yeah, I got Tom [Brady] in that.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Aaron Rodgers was informed that he is now the most-sacked QB in NFL history.
“yeah, I got Tom [Brady] in that.” 😂
Brady will always be the GOAT.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 30, 2024
He shared that he first learned about the impending milestone during a production meeting the previous day and was well aware of it going into the game.
The moment of infamy for the 40-year-old came in the third quarter when Buffalo’s Gregory Rousseau stormed past the Jets’ offensive line to deliver Rodgers’ 566th career sack. By the end of the game, the total had climbed to 567, landing Rodgers on the turf once again and placing him in the record books — for better or worse.
The record highlights Rodgers’ wear-and-tear of two decades in the NFL. At 41 years old, Rodgers’ longevity has been remarkable, as only a handful of quarterbacks have survived long enough to accumulate this many sacks.
Aaron Rodgers has now taken more career sacks than Tom Brady in 88 fewer games and 3,845 fewer dropbacks pic.twitter.com/Jvn68T62iG
— Tom Brady Facts (@TB_Facts) December 29, 2024
The all-time sack leaderboard notes the toll taken on the league’s most durable players, featuring names like Russell Wilson (556) and Ben Roethlisberger (554). While Rodgers now tops the official list, he’s still chasing Fran Tarkenton’s unofficial total of 570, set before sacks became an official stat in 1982. Rodgers could also claim that dubious crown with one game left this season.
Although congratulations were in order for Rodgers, the Jets’ offensive line woes this year have done more harm than good. Allowing 36 sacks so far, the line has struggled to protect its veteran quarterback.
Looking ahead, Rodgers’ record might be short-lived. Wilson, who transitioned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, is just 11 sacks behind and has time to catch up. Meanwhile, Rodgers has hinted that 2024 might be his final season if the Jets choose not to extend their partnership. Whether he holds the title for years or just weeks, Rodgers has once again proven he’s the main character in the NFL sacking storyline.