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Aaron Rodgers has recently achieved an NFL milestone that many would rather avoid: becoming the most-sacked quarterback in history. With his 568th sack during a December 29, 2024, loss to the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers surpassed Tom Brady, who ended his career with 565 sacks. Despite the negative connotation of the record, Rodgers maintained his sense of humor. After the game, he quipped, "Yeah, I got Tom on that," acknowledging the unusual honor with a playful tone, as reported by Bleacher Report.
Rodgers' new record comes at a challenging time for both him and his team. The New York Jets are set to miss the playoffs after a tumultuous season that had initially sparked hopes of a Super Bowl run. Rodgers, who had been recovering from an injury earlier in the year, reflected on the season's struggles during his post-game interview. "Too many games got away from us," he remarked, acknowledging the team's inability to maintain momentum throughout the season. Despite flashes of promise, the Jets' performance never quite matched expectations.
The Jets' disappointing 2024 season is compounded by ongoing uncertainty about Rodgers' future. In a candid moment during the game broadcast, sports analyst Jim Nantz noted that when asked about his next steps, Rodgers gave a non-committal response, stating, "I really don't know. I'll take some time." This statement adds to the growing speculation surrounding the veteran quarterback's career, especially as his contract with the Jets runs through 2025.
Adding to the complexity of Rodgers' situation is the Jets' internal turmoil. The team fired head coach Robert Saleh in October, and sources suggest that the Jets might be looking to move on from Rodgers as well. A December report from SNY indicated that both the team and Rodgers could part ways, although official statements on the matter remain scarce. This uncertainty leaves the Jets at a crossroads, as they search for both a new leader under center and a head coach to guide them moving forward.
While setting a new record for sacks isn't the milestone most quarterbacks hope for, Rodgers' resilience and humor in the face of adversity speak volumes about his character.
