When you consider attitude, intangibles, playstyle, career, or production, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers couldn’t be more different. One is widely regarded as one of the most efficient passers in NFL history, while the other helped pioneer the modern dual-threat quarterback.
Yet, according to a recent analysis from a respected NFL analyst, the two veterans might not be as different as they seem. A Fox Sports media personality crunched the numbers and found a surprising similarity between them.
Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson Share Strikingly Close Statistics
Last season, it was easy to assume that Rodgers — then with the New York Jets — had the better individual numbers, but Wilson had more team success, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs, while Rodgers’ team managed only five wins.
In PFSN’s QB+ metric, the gap between them wasn’t that wide. Wilson finished 17th with a 75.3 rating, while Rodgers ranked 21st with 72.2.
But when looking at the past three seasons, the similarities between their performances become even more striking. Colin Cowherd, host of FS1’s “The Herd,” made what seemed like an outrageous claim about the two former Super Bowl champions.
“For years and years, it was understood that Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers — they weren’t really into each other and they were opposites.” However, with both still unsigned in free agency, it got Cowherd thinking.
Despite vast differences in their personalities — from their views on family, religion, demeanor, and overall charisma — they find themselves in the same position. Rumors continue swirling about interest from teams like the Steelers, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings, but neither has landed a deal yet.
And the similarities don’t stop there.
“Since 2022, they are identical quarterbacks. Wins-losses, completion percentage, touchdowns, passer rating — same guy. No playoff wins since 2022.”
"Since 2022, they are IDENTICAL quarterbacks"@ColinCowherd on the converging career paths of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson pic.twitter.com/4oJpffM9mk
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 17, 2025
The numbers are, in fact, strikingly close. Rodgers has gone 14-21 over the past three seasons, while Wilson is slightly better at 17-24. Their completion percentages are nearly identical at 63.7% and 63.4%, respectively.
Wilson has also averaged nearly five more passing yards per game, thrown four more touchdowns, and holds a 1.5-point edge in passer rating (90.7). Over a 35+ game sample size, those differences are marginal at best.
With both quarterbacks still available, Cowherd had one last stinging remark about why teams may be hesitant to sign them:
“In this league, if you’re seen as a little high-maintenance — whether it’s passive-aggressiveness or cringiness — most of the league is going to pass on you.”