Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers etched his name further into NFL history on Sunday, surpassing his former Green Bay Packers teammate Brett Favre for fourth place on the all-time career touchdown passes list. In a 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots, Rodgers threw his 509th and 510th career touchdown passes, solidifying his position among the NFL's elite.
Rodgers initially tied Favre's record of 508 touchdown passes in the previous game. He then surpassed Favre with a 12-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf in the second quarter, giving the Steelers a 14-0 lead. The game-winning touchdown came in the fourth quarter when Rodgers connected with Calvin Austin III. Rodgers finished the game with 16 completions on 23 attempts for 139 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
"It's just a longevity achievement," Rodgers commented earlier in September. He acknowledged the contributions of his teammates, coaches, and the offensive scheme in achieving this milestone. Rodgers emphasized that while some touchdowns involved exceptional plays, others were simply the result of good play-calling or a receiver making a long run after a short pass.
The top three quarterbacks on the all-time career touchdown passes list are Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), and Peyton Manning (539). Rodgers, with 510, now stands within striking distance of Manning, and will look to continue his climb up the record books.
Rodgers' journey to this achievement began when he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005 as Favre's eventual successor. After waiting in the wings for three seasons, Rodgers took over as the Packers' starting quarterback and has since become one of the most decorated players in NFL history. This latest milestone further cements his legacy as an all-time great.
Key Moments from the Game:
- Rodgers connects with Metcalf for a 12-yard TD, surpassing Favre.
- Game-winning touchdown pass to Austin III in the fourth quarter.
- Steelers secure their second victory of the season.