January football is where careers are measured differently. The postseason doesn’t reward promise or hype, only teams and players, that keep winning long enough to return year after year.

Some names become fixtures once the playoffs arrive, their seasons routinely stretching beyond Week 18. Whether driven by dynasties or elite quarterbacks, the extended runs reveal who truly lived in the most demanding months.

Playoff appearances offer a different way to understand greatness in the NFL. Beyond rings or single-game heroics, they reflect persistence, timing and the ability to remain relevant as teams, systems and eras change across decades.

Tom Brady | 48 Games

Tom Brady’s postseason resume is a statistical outlier that may never be replicated. Over 23 seasons, he appeared in 48 playoff games, effectively playing three additional regular seasons purely in high-stakes, single-elimination football. His journey began as an injury replacement in 2001 and concluded with a career that saw him start in 10 Super Bowls.

This volume of play allowed him to set nearly every significant passing record in the playoffs, including 13,400 passing yards and 88 touchdowns. For over two decades, the road to the Super Bowl almost exclusively went through a team led by Brady.

Adam Vinatieri | 32 Games

Consistency is the hallmark of Adam Vinatieri’s career, a kicker whose 32 playoff appearances were split between two of the most successful AFC eras: the early New England Patriots dynasty and the Peyton Manning-led Indianapolis Colts. Vinatieri was not merely a passenger on these teams; he was often the deciding factor.

He participated in five Super Bowls and won four, famously converting game-winning kicks in the final seconds of two of them. His ability to maintain a high conversion rate in freezing conditions and high-pressure moments made him the most trusted specialist in postseason history.

Stephen Gostkowski | 29 Games

Stephen Gostkowski spent 14 seasons as the primary kicker for the New England Patriots, a tenure that aligned with the most dominant stretch in NFL history. His 29 playoff games are a byproduct of a team that reached the AFC Championship game almost annually.

Beyond just being present, he was a prolific scorer, tallying 205 points in the postseason. His role was vital in the Patriots’ ability to secure three championships during his stay, providing a reliable floor for an offense that relied on tactical precision and field position.

Jerry Rice | 29 Games

Jerry Rice’s inclusion on this list is perhaps the most impressive, as he is the only non-quarterback or kicker to reach this level of postseason longevity. Playing 29 games at the most physically demanding position for a receiver requires a legendary commitment to conditioning.

Primarily known for his years with the San Francisco 49ers, he also made a significant playoff run later in his career with the Oakland Raiders. He utilized these 29 appearances to set records that remain untouched, including over 2,200 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in playoff competition.

Peyton Manning | 27 Games

Peyton Manning’s 27 playoff appearances represent two distinct chapters of excellence. Known for his meticulous preparation and control at the line of scrimmage, he led his teams to the playoffs in 15 of his 17 active seasons.

He is one of the few quarterbacks to reach the Super Bowl with four different head coaches and remains the first to win a title as the starting quarterback for two different franchises. His postseason career was defined by his ability to elevate different rosters, finishing his tenure with over 7,300 passing yards on the playoff stage.

D.D. Lewis | 27 Games

A cornerstone of the legendary “Doomsday Defense,” D.D. Lewis was a fixture in the Dallas Cowboys’ lineup throughout the 1970s. His 27 playoff appearances remained an NFL record for many years and still stand as the highest total in Cowboys history. He was instrumental in Dallas reaching five Super Bowls, winning two of them.

His versatility as a linebacker allowed him to excel in Tom Landry’s complex defensive schemes, notably recording two interceptions in the 1975 NFC Championship game. He retired as one of the few players to compete across three different decades, spanning from the late 60s to the early 80s.

Bill Romanowski | 26 Games

Bill Romanowski’s 26-game postseason career is a testament to both his durability and his presence on winning rosters. Over 16 seasons, he never missed a single regular-season game, a streak that extended into deep playoff runs with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos.

He won back-to-back Super Bowls with both franchises, making him one of the few players in history to secure four rings with two different teams. Known for his intense and often controversial playing style, he provided a veteran physical presence in the middle of the defense for every postseason contender he joined.

Larry Cole | 26 Games

Larry Cole spent his entire 13-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as a vital component of the defensive line during the franchise’s most successful era. Like his teammate D.D. Lewis, he appeared in 26 playoff games and five Super Bowls.

He was a highly adaptable defender, capable of playing both end and tackle, which allowed him to remain productive as the Cowboys’ roster evolved around him. He is famously remembered for his habit of scoring against rivals; all four of his career touchdowns (three on interceptions and one on a fumble recovery) came against the Washington Redskins.

Travis Kelce | 25 Games

Travis Kelce has utilized his 25 playoff appearances to rewrite the record books for pass-catchers. As the primary target in the Kansas City Chiefs’ modern dynasty, he has surpassed Jerry Rice for the most postseason receptions in NFL history. His connection with Patrick Mahomes has resulted in 19 playoff touchdowns, placing him second all-time behind Rice.

His ability to find openings in postseason defenses has led to seven consecutive seasons with deep playoff runs, including four Super Bowl appearances and three titles, cementing his status as the most productive tight end in the history of the tournament.

James Winchester | 25 Games

While long snappers rarely command headlines, James Winchester’s 25 playoff games highlight his essential role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ sustained success. Since joining the team in 2015, he has been the starting long snapper for every game of the Mahomes era, ensuring the stability of the special teams unit during three Super Bowl championship runs.

His career is a rare example of specialist longevity; by never missing a snap in high-pressure situations, he has quietly climbed the all-time list of playoff appearances, tying teammates for the most postseason games played in franchise history.

Matthew Slater | 25 Games

Matthew Slater represents a unique chapter in NFL history: a pure special teams player who achieved legendary status without ever being a regular on offense. Serving as the special teams captain for the New England Patriots for 16 seasons, he appeared in 25 postseason games, acting as the emotional and tactical heartbeat of the unit during three championship runs (XLIX, LI, LIII).

His elite speed as a “gunner” and his ability to pin opponents deep were critical to Bill Belichick’s field-position strategy. A 10-time Pro Bowler as a specialist, his playoff longevity is a testament to the value of excelling in the game’s “third phase.”

Charlie Waters | 25 Games

Charlie Waters was a defining figure of the Dallas Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense” throughout the 1970s. His 25 playoff appearances are highlighted by a remarkable knack for turnovers; he still holds the NFL record for the most career postseason interceptions with 9, including a historic three-interception performance in a single game.

He competed in five Super Bowls, securing victories in VI and XII. His instinctive play in the secondary and his ability to diagnose complex offenses made him a permanent fixture in the postseason for over a decade, during which the Cowboys rarely missed a deep January run.

Devin McCourty | 24 Games

Devin McCourty’s 24 postseason games, all of them as a starter, underscore his role as the cerebral anchor of the Patriots’ second dynasty. He is one of the few players in league history to earn Pro Bowl honors at both cornerback and safety, a versatility that allowed New England’s defense to reinvent itself year after year.

A three-time Super Bowl champion, he served as a team captain for 12 consecutive seasons. By the time he retired, he had logged more defensive snaps in the playoffs than almost any other player in the modern era, providing a consistent veteran presence in a secondary that faced the league’s most prolific passers.

Vince Wilfork | 24 Games

Vince Wilfork was the immovable force at the center of the defensive line for 24 postseason contests, primarily with the Patriots before finishing his career with the Houston Texans. Weighing over 325 pounds, his impact went beyond traditional statistics; he was a master at absorbing double-teams and collapsing the pocket from the inside.

A two-time Super Bowl winner, his agility was often surprising for his size, evidenced by his crucial interception in the 2011 AFC Championship game. His presence ensured that his teams could control the line of scrimmage, a prerequisite for any defensive success in cold-weather playoff football.

David Akers | 24 Games

David Akers concludes this veteran group with 24 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most reliable scoring threats in postseason history. The bulk of his legacy was built with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he once set an NFL record by converting 19 consecutive field goals in the playoffs.

He finished his career with 39 successful postseason field goals, including a productive late-career stint with the San Francisco 49ers that led to an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII. His ability to maintain accuracy in the swirling winds of Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field made him an indispensable asset during an era of sustained NFC dominance.

The history of this elite benchmark is a captivating tale of evolving offenses and technological advancements that have repeatedly shifted the league’s ceiling; from the postwar era’s modest totals to the aerial explosions of the 21st century.

Only a select few quarterbacks have ever touched this summit. Their historic campaigns were not just dominant; they were transformative. It’s the story of the gridiron legends whose focus and flawless execution cemented their status…

Peyton Manning – 55 TDs | 2013 season

When the curtains closed on the 2013 season, what Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos had accomplished wasn’t just a record: it was a statement of dominance that would echo for years.

Manning, the “Sheriff” with a supercomputer’s mind, orchestrated an offensive symphony that shattered every existing mark. He tossed an astonishing 55 passing touchdowns, leaving his own previous record and Tom Brady’s tally far behind.

The fact that this record remains firmly intact a decade later is a profound testament to the perfection of that execution. It was the season where he proved that experience and intellect could dominate the league in a way never before seen.

Patrick Mahomes – 50 TDs | 2018 season

Patrick Mahomes‘ 2018 campaign was the violent, spectacular, and absolutely unforgettable emergence of the next-generation quarterback. In just his second year in the league and first as a full-time starter, he took center stage with an audacity and arm strength that defied physics.

With 50 aerial scores, the young Kansas City Chiefs prodigy joined the exclusive 50-touchdown club. His season wasn’t just productive; it was electrifying, signaling the start of an era where the impossible became routine.

Tom Brady – 50 TDs | 2007 season

Before the modern era of inflated aerial offenses, there was Tom Brady‘s 2007 season. This year was the pinnacle of the New England Patriots‘ relentless efficiency. He not only threw for 50 touchdowns, he did so while leading a team that came within one play of going completely undefeated.

The description of the QB in 2007 is that of an offensive tyrant who executed the game plan with a chilling composure and precision that intimidated opponents. This season established the modern standard for what it means to be an elite quarterback.

Peyton Manning – 49 TDs | 2004 season

To fully appreciate Manning’s greatness, we must rewind to 2004, when the “Sheriff” still wore the uniform of the Indianapolis Colts. In that season, He absolutely crushed a record that had stood untouched for two decades: Dan Marino’s.

His 49 touchdown passes were the standard-bearer for the NFL’s transition into a pass-happy league. He didn’t just have to be good, he had to be better than the 1984 legend. It was the season that confirmed him as the intellectual master of the game.

Aaron Rodgers – 48 TDs | 2020 season

Aaron Rodgers‘ 2020 season with the Green Bay Packers is a spectacular anomaly. In a year marked by empty stadiums, he found a surgical focus for his game. His 48 touchdown passes, which earned him the MVP award, came with an absolutely stunning low number of interceptions (only 5).

This speaks to a quarterback in absolute control. His 2020 was a demonstration of the art of execution; a master who, without the distraction of the crowd, painted his masterpiece with the greatest precision of his life.

Dan Marino – 48 TDs | 1984 season

Dan Marino‘s 1984 season with the Miami Dolphins is the most ahead-of-its-time individual performance in NFL history. In an era dominated by ground offenses, he hurled an unheard-of 48 scoring passes. The sheer magnitude of this record is that it stood as the gold standard for 20 years.

He didn’t just throw the ball; he unleashed an aerial whirlwind that forced the league to reconsider its defensive rules. He is the prime example of a legend who was so far ahead of his time that his mark survived an entire generation of quarterbacks.

Drew Brees – 46 TDs | 2011 season

Drew Brees‘ 2011 season was a masterclass proving that size doesn’t matter, but precision, anticipation, and an unrelenting work ethic do. While leading the New Orleans Saints, he not only tossed 46 touchdowns, he also set the single-season passing yards record (later surpassed by himself and others).

This season encapsulates his identity: an elite quarterback operating with near-robotic accuracy. His 2011 was a demonstration of the maximum efficiency, proving that positional intelligence could be just as lethal as the strongest arm.

Aaron Rodgers – 45 TDs | 2011 season

If Aaron Rodgers‘ 2020 season was a concert of precision, his 2011 campaign was a torrent of statistical perfection. He not only threw for 45 touchdowns, he did so establishing a league mark that still stands as the best passer rating in NFL history (122.5). This year was a demonstration of total control over the offensive ecosystem, a masterclass in how to maximize production while minimizing risk.

Dan Marino – 44 TDs | 1986 season

After the 48-touchdown season of 1984, the world wondered if Dan Marino could replicate his miracle. In 1986, the “Wizard of Pittsburgh” demonstrated his dominance was no fluke, throwing 44 aerial scores—a figure only surpassed by his own mark two years earlier.

The narrative of 1986 is about the implacability. In an era where defenders were physically and legally more aggressive with receivers, he kept throwing high-risk passes. This season reaffirmed the terror that his fast arm instilled.

Joe Burrow – 43 TDs | 2024 season

Joe Burrow‘s 2024 season was not only a statistical feat, but a narrative victory over adversity. After losing the last seven games of 2023 to a serious wrist injury, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback returned with renewed fury and precision. His 43 passing touchdowns, a franchise record, placed him back in the elite conversation.

He not only healed; he improved, demonstrating a capacity to read deep defenses and execute the attack system with a coolness and volume that cemented him as one of the most productive quarterbacks of the new guard.

Tom Brady – 43 TDs | 2021 season

If Tom Brady‘s narrative were a book, the 2021 chapter would be the most audacious about longevity. At the incredible age of 44, he not only remained relevant but threw for 43 touchdowns, the most in the entire NFL that season, and the second highest of his own career.

This record is the most touchdowns in a season for a quarterback over 40 years old, a milestone that directly challenges the biology of the sport. He wasn’t playing against the rival defense; he was playing against the clock of age, and in 2021, he proved that time was still on his side.

Drew Brees – 43 TDs | 2012 season

Following his historic 2011 campaign, Drew Brees‘ 2012 season was a remarkable display of sustained, elite production. He logged his second consecutive season of 40-plus touchdowns, finishing with 43 passing scores. He broke Johnny Unitas’s legendary record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (a streak that ultimately reached 54 games).

Baker Mayfield – 41 TDs | 2024 season

Baker Mayfield‘s 2024 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasn’t just productive; it was a career-defining performance that elevated him into rarefied air. His 41 passing touchdowns propelled the Buccaneers offense to historic output.

This narrative focuses on the remarkable leap in efficiency and precision. The description here is that of a fiery competitor who finally maximized his talent, demonstrating that he could operate a complex offense with surgical precision, sparking a franchise rebirth and validating the decision to invest in him.

Lamar Jackson – 41 TDs | 2024 season

Lamar Jackson‘s 2024 season was the year the Baltimore Ravens star truly transcended the “dual-threat” label by becoming an unmistakable aerial assassin. While his rushing ability remained elite (logging over 900 rushing yards), his 41 passing touchdowns marked a career high.

His 41 TDs were the statistical proof that he could maintain his devastating rushing threat while simultaneously executing a vertical passing game with near-perfect control and accuracy.

Patrick Mahomes – 41 TDs | 2022 season

Patrick Mahomes‘ 2022 season was arguably his most significant achievement in demonstrating adaptability and leadership. Following the high-profile trade of star receiver Tyreek Hill, his answer was a dominant, MVP-winning campaign featuring 41 passing touchdowns. He proved he didn’t need one superstar; he was the superstar, the offensive epicenter that made the entire system hum.

Matthew Stafford – 41 TDs | 2021 season

Matthew Stafford‘s 2021 season, his first with the Los Angeles Rams, was a narrative of instant gratification and destiny fulfilled. The change of scenery under Sean McVay’s offense led to a career year defined by his 41 passing touchdowns. The central theme is the leveraging of untapped potential in a new, high-powered system. He led the Rams to a Super Bowl title, making his 41 TDs the engine of a championship run.

Matthew Stafford – 41 TDs | 2011 season

Matthew Stafford’s 2011 season with the Detroit Lions was a powerful statement that temporarily shed the franchise’s legacy of futility. Stafford, in his third year, finally stayed healthy and uncorked a massive 41-touchdown season.

The connection with Calvin “Megatron” Johnson was explosive. It was a raw, high-risk, high-reward approach that delivered staggering results, proving he had the arm talent to compete with the league’s elite scorers.

Kurt Warner – 41 TDs | 1999 season

Kurt Warner‘s 1999 season with the St. Louis Rams is one of the NFL’s most compelling underdog stories. Starting the season as an unknown backup, he exploded onto the scene, throwing 41 passing touchdowns in his first full year as a starter.

His performance was the catalyst for an offensive revolution, proving that a meticulously designed passing system, executed by a quick-thinking quarterback, could win a Super Bowl and produce statistical milestones previously thought impossible.

Tom Brady – 40 TDs | 2020 season

When Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at age 43, the question wasn’t if he could still play, but if he could adapt to a new, aggressive offense. His answer came in the form of 40 passing touchdowns, leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in his first season outside of New England.

This season is the ultimate testament to his intellectual dominance and commitment to winning. His 40 TDs were a stunning statistical renaissance, proving that his methodology and anticipation were enough to generate elite scoring volume.

Russell Wilson – 40 TDs | 2020 season

Russell Wilson‘s 2020 campaign with the Seattle Seahawks was marked by an explosive start that saw him on pace to obliterate the record books. His final tally of 40 passing touchdowns represented the absolute peak of his production and efficiency in Seattle.

This season perfectly captures the “Let Russ Cook” movement. He proved he could transition from being a ‘game manager’ to an elite volume scorer, relying on spectacular, tight-window throws that few others could attempt, let alone complete for scores.

The outstanding showing by Steve Sarkisian’s starting quarterback saw him throw four touchdown passes — all in the first half — showcasing his full talent in a dominant display, and in many ways redeeming himself after last week’s showing against Ohio State.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to match the record set by both Eli at Ole Miss and Peyton at Tennessee — with each throwing six touchdown passes in a single game, their personal best in college football.

Still, Arch quickly put to rest any doubts about his talent, dismantling his opponent from the opening snap and leading his Longhorns to a dominant home victory.

A historic defeat for Eli and Ole Miss

Ole Miss legend Eli Manning showcased his elite talent in one of college football’s most memorable games, throwing for a career-high six touchdown passes in a single contest.

While the performance cemented his status as a top quarterback, the game itself is remembered for a different reason: a heartbreaking loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 23, 2001.

In an epic seven-overtime battle, Manning’s incredible effort wasn’t enough to secure the win, leaving fans with a bittersweet memory of a legendary passing performance in a devastating defeat.

Peyton Manning’s College Football record

In what would be a preview of his future NFL greatness, Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning put on a masterful display, setting a career-high with six touchdown passes in a dominant victory.

This legendary performance occurred on November 22, 1997, as Manning picked apart the Kentucky Wildcats defense in a decisive 59-31 win.

The game served as a powerful exclamation point on a Heisman-caliber season, solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific passers to ever take the field in college football.

It’s often said that for an athlete to truly reach their full potential, they need a nemesis—someone who pushes them to new heights. That was exactly the case for New England Patriots legend, who, in a recent piece, named Peyton Manning as the player who inspired him to improve every single day.

In his newsletter titled ‘Every Champion Needs a Rival,’ the multiple-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and Buccaneers made a special mention of the former Broncos quarterback, who shared the NFL stage with Brady for many years.

“Peyton Manning was a gift to my NFL career,” TB12 wrote. “I maybe didn’t fully know it at the time, but I needed someone to look up to, who inspired me to be better, and who gave me a target to aim for.”

“Now when I see him, the only thing I can say is thank you,” Brady also added. “Thank you for challenging me to be the best I could be, to dig deep in March and April and May when nobody was watching, and to have expectations for myself that were above and beyond what others thought was possible.”

Two careers filled with glory

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are undeniably two of the greatest quarterbacks in modern NFL history, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Brady, known for his incredible longevity and clutch performances, led the New England Patriots to an unprecedented six Super Bowl titles and added a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cementing his legacy as the most decorated player ever.

Peyton Manning, on the other hand, was celebrated for his unparalleled pre-snap intelligence and record-setting passing prowess. He earned five MVP awards, more than any other player, and guided both the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos to Super Bowl championships, showcasing his ability to elevate multiple franchises.

While Brady’s career was defined by consistent winning and numerous championships, Manning’s was characterized by groundbreaking statistical achievements and a revolutionary command of the offense. Their legendary rivalry provided some of the most compelling matchups in league history, forever linking two of football’s true icons.

Just days earlier, Rodgers confirmed he would join the Steelers for the upcoming season. The team needed a veteran quarterback to lead the offense, and the former Jets player was the best option available.

At 41 years old, many fans wondered whether this would be Rodgers’ final season. Now, he has confirmed it, aiming to go out on a high note with a second Super Bowl ring in his possession.

Aaron Rodgers announces retirement plans: How many QBs have won a Super Bowl in their final season?

Aaron Rodgers is preparing for one final run to prove he still belongs among the NFL’s elite. The future Hall of Famer has confirmed that the 2025 season will be his last, and he hopes to end it by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy one more time.

According to reports, Rodgers chose the Steelers because he believes the team is competitive enough to contend for a Super Bowl. It won’t be an easy road, but the former Packers and Jets star is determined to finish his career as a champion.

Unfortunately, history isn’t on his side. In NFL history, only two starting quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl and then retired—and both did it with the same franchise.

Only John Elway and Peyton Manning have accomplished the rare feat of winning the Super Bowl in their final season.

Elway won Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, leading the Denver Broncos to victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Shortly after that win, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

Peyton Manning followed a similar path. After falling short in 2014 and 2015, Manning returned in 2016 with a vengeance, leading the Broncos to a win in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. He retired just weeks later.

Who is the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl?

Even if Aaron Rodgers becomes just the third quarterback to win a Super Bowl and then retire, he wouldn’t be the oldest to ever do it, as he would be 42 years old by then. That honor belongs to another NFL legend Rodgers is often compared to: Tom Brady.

Brady won Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 43 years and 188 days old, defeating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. It was his seventh Super Bowl win and cemented his legacy as the greatest of all time.

With Game 1 of the Finals already in the books, the Pacers are set to travel to Oklahoma for Game 2 on Sunday. A victory would significantly bolster their championship aspirations, yet the Thunder, buoyed by an impressive regular-season performance, are equally determined to stake their claim on the title.

In anticipation of this crucial matchup, Green shared his thoughts on Haliburton during an episode of “The Draymond Green Show.” Green heaped praise on Haliburton’s clutch play, likening him to NFL legend Peyton Manning for his strategic prowess.

Warriors star remarked, “He rarely has two off nights in a row. Haliburton reminds me of Peyton Manning, you never wanted Manning to play with a lead because he could orchestrate anything he desired. Haliburton is reaching a similar level of control, balancing playmaking and scoring.”

Green’s projection for Haliburton in Game 2

Beyond the high praise, Green anticipates Haliburton will be especially assertive in Game 2 against OKC. “He’s going to come out in Game 2 firing on all cylinders, aggressive and downhill,” Green stated confidently.

Such belief from one of the NBA’s top players leaves fans eager to witness Haliburton’s performance on Sunday, betting on his potential to shift momentum in favor of the Pacers in this tightly contested NBA Finals.

Haliburton reflects ahead of Game 2

Ahead of the pivotal game, Haliburton spoke to media, reflecting on his journey to the Finals and an inspiring conversation with former NBA player Steve Nash. “I had a great conversation with Steve Nash a couple days ago,” Haliburton recounted. “He said, ‘You’re in rare air; I’ve never been there.’ It struck me, Steve Nash never made it to the Finals? That realization hit home how precious this opportunity is, and I am truly savoring every moment of it.”

Haliburton’s words capture the excitement and gravity of his first Finals appearance, resonating with fans and emphasizing the weight of the occasion as he leads Indiana’s charge for their first-ever NBA title.

Even so, Rodgers had no other option if he wanted to continue his brilliant career. The Los Angeles Rams extended Matthew Stafford’s contract, and the Minnesota Vikings put their trust in J.J. McCarthy. There was never a call for Aaron.

Given this scenario, the future Hall of Famer could rewrite the record books with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The key date could be in Week 8 during a very special matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Which NFL quarterbacks have beaten all 32 teams?

Aaron Rodgers could join Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks to have defeated all 32 NFL teams. A truly legendary club.

Rodgers will have the chance to achieve it on Sunday Night Football in Week 8 of the 2025 season, when the Steelers host the Packers in a rematch of Super Bowl XLV and, of course, a showdown between the quarterback and his former team.

However, at 41 years old, Rodgers still hasn’t retired from football and, after a disappointing stint with the New York Jets, he is looking for his final chance to win a Super Bowl.

On the radar, the only available option is the Pittsburgh Steelers who, unfortunately for Aaron, still appear to be one or two steps below the top tier of the AFC, where teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills are found.

Is Aaron Rodgers going to retire?

No. Aaron Rodgers has not indicated that he is going to retire from football. Although he has publicly acknowledged that he has issues within his inner circle, it is also a fact that he has hinted he might sign with Pittsburgh soon.

Can Aaron Rodgers win another Super Bowl?

Peyton Manning believes that Aaron Rodgers can still deliver winning championship football and fight for another Super Bowl. During an interview with 97.1 The Fan, the Colts and Broncos legend noted that a successful last dance is still possible.

“I think so. Look, the guy’s super talented. Probably has, arguably, one of the best arms of all-time. It’s just kind of elastic. I don’t have any insight on that (signing with Steelers). You know, hopefully, he gets with a team soon and kind of gets going. It would be fun to see him back out there on the field.”

Manning is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever play his position, and his opinion carries serious weight—especially when it comes to evaluating active quarterbacks.

During a recent conversation with the media, the former champion with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos had high praise for the Bengals’ quarterback.

“He’s an incredible quarterback. He’s just fun to watch play. He’s exciting when the ball is in his hands,“ Manning said of the 28-year-old signal caller, per Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson. “The game is never over.

“He’s calm, he’s collected, he doesn’t sweat. Out there on the field, off the field … he’s very authentic.”

Burrow’s top trait, according to Peyton Manning

It’s clear that, in Manning’s eyes, Joe Burrow is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL today. However, the Hall of Famer made a point to highlight one key trait that sets Burrow apart from the rest at his position.

“Burrow is guarded, which I get and respect. Yet you can tell his teammates love playing for him. They play hard for him, which I think is a great compliment to him. And he’s just very comfortable in his own skin, which I think is a great quality as well.“

Regarding Burrow Super Bowl ambitions, Manning also added: “There are expectations that come with it, but Joe is well aware of those, and he can carry that burden and wants those expectations on his shoulders,” the Hall of Famer said, per the write-up released Tuesday. “And I know he fully expects, as I do as well, to bring a championship here to Cincinnati.”

His comments come from an interview conducted in July 2024, when the former Colts and Broncos quarterback attended the premiere of the Netflix series Receiver. There, the legendary QB was asked which wide receiver in NFL history he’d love to throw to — someone he never had the chance to play with during his career.

While recounting, in a lighthearted way, the many great teammates he was able to run routes with on the field, Manning began ruling out the legendary receivers he had the privilege of playing alongside. Eventually, he landed on a historic name from the Baltimore Colts: Raymond Berry.

“I got to play with a number of them in the Pro Bowl,” said Manning. “I got to play with Jerry Rice and Tony Gonzalez, so I guess that eliminates them. Playing with Marvin [Harrison] and Reggie [Wayne] and Demaryius [Thomas] and Emmanuel [Sanders] in real football.

“One? Raymond Berry, [an] old Baltimore Colt. I’m going with Raymond Berry. Got to spend some time with him. He was a true master of his craft. The way he studied film, the way he studied precision route running. Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry had great timing. I think it would be Raymond Berry.”

The legend of Raymond Berry

Manning’s choice of the player he would’ve liked to take a few official snaps with is no coincidence. Raymond Berry, perhaps from a different era of the NFL, was one of the league’s top wideouts back in the late 1950s.

Coming from the SMU Mustangs, Berry was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1954 draft with the 232nd pick in the 20th round. From that point on, his entire career was spent with the same team, achieving two historic milestones.

In both 1958 and 1959, his team was crowned league champions, defeating the New York Giants in the title game on both occasions. Berry was a key player in those matches and, throughout his career, he was a six-time Pro Bowler. Additionally, he led the league in receptions and receiving yards three times each.

His career was split between 11 seasons with the Bears and one with the Carolina Panthers, the team he played for in his final year as a professional. Tillman finished his career with 38 interceptions and 44 forced fumbles and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice.

His NFL journey began in 2003 when he was selected by the Bears in the second round of the Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on Chicago’s defense, earning both individual accolades and contributing to the team’s success.

The remarkable 2006 Super Bowl season with the Bears

The best moment of Tillman’s career came in 2006, when the Bears finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. Peanut was the starting cornerback throughout the entire campaign, recording 80 combined tackles and playing a key role in the playoffs, all the way to the matchup against the Colts in the final game.

With a strong run, the Bears reached Super Bowl XLI against Indianapolis, led by quarterback Peyton Manning. The game, held in Miami on February 4, 2007, ended in a loss for Tillman’s team with a final score of 29–17.

Stint with the Panthers and a new passion

After 12 years with the Bears and consistently strong performances, Tillman signed with the Panthers to bring experience and leadership to an already solid defense. It seemed like the season would give him a chance to redeem himself after the Super Bowl loss to the Colts, but an injury changed those plans.

In Week 17 of the 2015 NFL season, Tillman suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, which sidelined him for the playoffs, including the Panthers‘ historic run to Super Bowl 50, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.

The injury was a tough blow for Tillman, who was already a veteran. Not only did he miss the chance to get revenge for the loss to Indianapolis, but the serious ligament tear led him to retire from football in 2016. His decision came with a call to fulfill another dream, becoming an FBI agent.

Tillman as an FBI agent

Tillman’s life after the NFL took a surprising turn when the former Bears cornerback, who also held a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, decided to join the FBI. In 2018, Peanut completed training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and joined the agency.

Tillman still holds that position today, fulfilling a personal dream in addition to having played in a Super Bowl. At the same time, he achieved a family goal, as his decision was influenced by his father, who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army.