10 Aaron Rodgers Facts You Did Not Know About. Born on December 2, 1983, Aaron Charles Rodgers has etched his name as an exceptional American football quarterback.
Currently donning the colors of the Jets, his journey is a testament to his remarkable talent.
Rodgers’ football journey began in 2002 when he embarked on his college career at Butte College. He then made a pivotal transfer to the University of California, Berkeley.
Representing the California Golden Bears, he left an indelible mark by setting several career passing records, including milestones like the lowest single-season and career interception rates.
The 2005 NFL Draft witnessed his ascent as he was selected in the first round by the Green Bay Packers—a pivotal chapter in his storied career.
His tenure with the Packers spanned from 2005 to 2022, marked by years of dedication and excellence on the field.
Aaron Rodgers has transcended the realm of sports to become an icon of greatness.
Revered for his unparalleled skills and finesse, he is counted among the elite echelons of quarterbacks.
Here are the 10 Aaron Rodgers facts you did not know about:
Aaron Rodgers Facts You Did Not Know About
10) Four MVPs
The brilliance of Green Bay Packers icon Aaron Rodgers is a testament to his unmatched skill, although his championship count remains at one.
Yet, Rodgers’ exceptional ability is undeniably reflected in his remarkable haul of four NFL MVP titles, positioning him just behind the legendary Peyton Manning in this prestigious category.
Rodgers’ journey to greatness began with a Super Bowl victory and Super Bowl MVP honor. The Packers’ triumph over the Steelers in the culmination of the 2010 NFL season marked the inception of his illustrious career, followed by his first individual MVP in 2011.
The 2011 season was a pinnacle for Rodgers and the Packers, boasting an impressive 15-1 record.
While his victory in 2011 was decisive, his 2014 success was contested as he faced the challenge of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.
Despite the competition, Rodgers’ impressive tally of 38 touchdowns against a mere five interceptions secured his place as the victor.
As his career progressed, the Packers’ decision to select Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft ignited a resurgence in Rodgers’ performance.
This strategic move prompted Rodgers, then 37 and 38 years old, to earn two more NFL MVP honors in 2020 and 2021.
Amid a backdrop of constant speculation about his future with the team, Rodgers defied all odds, amassing a staggering 8,414 passing yards, alongside an astonishing 85 touchdowns and a mere nine interceptions across the two seasons.
Despite the Packers’ commendable three consecutive 13-3 seasons from 2019 to 2021, their title aspirations were thwarted by NFC Championship game losses to the 49ers and the Buccaneers.
These setbacks, coupled with Rodgers’ evolving journey, ultimately led him to a new chapter with the New York Jets.
9) Also A Musician
Beyond his prowess on the football field, Rodgers reveals another facet of his multifaceted talents—his proficiency as a skilled guitarist.
This skill has led him to grace the stage of the show “Windy City Live,” where he showcased his musical prowess to a captivated audience.
His passion for music extends beyond performance, as he curates an impressive collection of guitars, notably including a treasured 1969 Gibson Hummingbird.
This prized possession stands as a testament to his deep appreciation for the art of guitar playing and the heritage of instruments.
8) COVID-19 Controversial Statement
Throughout the NFL season, Aaron Rodgers is a familiar presence on The Pat McAfee Show, where he engages in candid discussions.
However, one particular interview in 2021 attracted considerable attention. During this appearance, Rodgers made several statements about COVID-19 that later garnered criticism for their inaccuracy.
Among the remarks were suggestions that unvaccinated individuals were not the most affected group by the pandemic and that ivermectin held benefits for COVID-19 patients.
These statements sparked controversy and prompted comparisons between Rodgers and conspiracy theorists by certain journalists.
The incident highlighted the complexities of discussing medical topics in a public forum, raising questions about the accuracy of information shared by influential figures.
7) Rich Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers boasts a considerable net worth of $200 million and an impressive average annual salary of $37.5 million.
Renowned as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, Rodgers is one of the NFL’s most lucratively compensated players.
The $90 million he garnered from salary and endorsements between June 2018 and June 2019 is a testament to this.
6) “Title Belt” Celebration
Since taking on the starter role in 2008, Rodgers has etched his name in football lore with a distinctive touchdown celebration known as the “Championship Belt.”
This unique ritual shared with his teammates, involves a motion that mimics placing an invisible championship belt around his waist after a successful scoring play.
The charm of this celebration lies in its lightheartedness, offering a moment of shared excitement among the team.
According to teammate Greg Jennings, the “Championship Belt” is a source of joy for players, a sign that a significant play has been executed.
This symbol of triumph even garnered recognition from WWE wrestler Triple H.
5) More Than Just A Quarterback
In May 2015, Rodgers showcased his intellect as a contestant on the game show “Celebrity Jeopardy!”
He emerged victorious over opponents, including Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary and future United States Senator Mark Kelly. This triumph secured a $50,000 donation to his chosen charity.
In a different facet of his media presence, Rodgers took on the guest host role on the iconic quiz show “Jeopardy!” during two weeks in April 2021, specifically from April 5 to 16.
Further demonstrating his versatility, Rodgers has made noteworthy cameo appearances on television. Notably, he appeared in a 2013 episode of “The Office,” a 2019 installment of “Game of Thrones,” and a 2015 segment of the sketch comedy series “Key & Peele.”
His involvement wasn’t limited to acting, as he also recorded a cameo as the host of “Jeopardy!” for an episode of “The Conners,” illustrating his seamless transition across various forms of entertainment.
4) Charitable Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers is deeply committed to philanthropy and has left a significant impact through his charitable endeavors.
He co-founded itsAaron, a charity aimed at raising awareness for transformative causes. He strongly advocates for the MACC Fund and Raise Hope for Congo, among other humanitarian efforts.
His victory on Celebrity Jeopardy! secured a $50,000 donation for the MACC Fund while his guest hosting on Jeopardy! led to a charitable contribution based on contestant winnings.
Rodgers also supports his alma mater, the University of California, Berkeley, funding athletic facility renovations and an endowed scholarship for transfer students.
In 2021, he donated $1 million to aid small businesses in Chico and Butte County, California.
3) Businessman
In partnership with Ryan Braun, Aaron Rodgers once had their name linked to a Milwaukee restaurant. Unfortunately, it closed due to Braun’s PED scandal.
He became the first active NFL player to possess a stake in an NBA team, the Milwaukee Bucks, as a limited partner in April 2018.
Rodgers has a prominent presence in advertising, endorsing brands like State Farm, Adidas, and Prevea Healthcare. His multi-million-dollar State Farm deal is among the NFL’s richest.
2) Real Estate Tycoon
Aaron Rodgers has made notable real estate moves in various locations. In 2009, he acquired a Del Mar, California mansion for slightly over $2 million. He sold the place later in November 2021 for $5.1 million.
In December 2019, he purchased an oceanfront Malibu mansion for a staggering $28 million from musician Robbie Williams. Interestingly, he completed the transaction with an all-cash payment.
Similarly, in August 2023, Rodgers invested $9.5 million in a newly built 4,000-square-foot residence in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
Positioned on two acres, the home, initially listed at $11 million, offers proximity to Met Life Stadium, the Jets’ venue, just a brief 10-minute drive away.
1) Massive Contracts
The Jets’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, has amassed $305.60 million from his NFL endeavors thus far.
On July 26, 2023, Rodgers penned a contract extension with the Jets, spanning three years and valued at $112.5 million.
This restructured agreement includes an impressive $75 million guaranteed funds, with an average annual salary of $37.50 million.
In 2023, Rodgers is set to pocket a base salary of $1.83 million, a signing bonus of $35 million and a workout bonus of $50,000.
As his ongoing commitment to the Jets unfolds, the culmination of his contract tenure will have contributed an impressive $418.15 million to his earnings, solely from his NFL salaries.
Conclusion
Uncovering these 10 lesser-known Aaron Rodgers facts adds a fascinating layer to his legendary story.
Beyond the field, his artistic talents, the birth of his iconic celebration, and unique style come to light.
These revelations remind us that even the most iconic figures have hidden depths, making Rodger’s journey even more captivating and inspiring.
