In what could be the final chapter of a storied NFL career, Aaron Rodgers delivered a vintage performance, throwing a season-high four touchdown passes to lead the New York Jets to a 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins in their Week 18 matchup at MetLife Stadium. The 40-year-old quarterback became only the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 career regular-season touchdown passes, a fitting milestone in a game filled with drama and emotion.
As the final seconds ticked away, Rodgers walked off the field with longtime teammate Davante Adams by his side, waving to the Jets faithful who filled the stands. The cheers echoed through the stadium, perhaps signaling the end of an era. Rodgers’ future remains uncertain, with questions looming about whether he’ll return for a 21st season — and if the Jets, who will undergo significant front-office changes, want him back.
The Jets, finishing the season at 5-12, are set for a busy offseason, including searching for a new general manager and head coach. Conversations between Rodgers and team ownership, including Woody Johnson and Christopher Johnson, are expected in the coming days to determine the quarterback’s next steps.
Despite an interception on his opening throw, Rodgers rebounded spectacularly, completing 23 of 36 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns. The touchdowns went to Tyler Conklin, Adams, Allen Lazard, and Breece Hall, showcasing Rodgers’ trademark precision and leadership.
The game’s pivotal moment came in the second quarter with the Jets trailing 6-0. Rodgers orchestrated a first-and-goal play from the Miami 5-yard line, zipping a pass to Conklin in the end zone to notch his 500th career touchdown. The milestone placed him in elite company alongside Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre.
The Jets capitalized on turnovers, with a strip-sack by Haason Reddick and Will McDonald leading to a fumble recovery by Quincy Williams. This set up Rodgers’ 13-yard touchdown pass to Lazard late in the second quarter. Hall followed with a 2-point conversion, giving the Jets a 15-6 halftime lead.
In the fourth quarter, Rodgers connected with Adams for a 4-yard touchdown, marking their 83rd career scoring connection. The duo surpassed Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for third-most touchdowns by a quarterback-receiver pair. Rodgers sealed the win with a 6-yard touchdown toss to Hall with 2:30 left, ensuring the Jets’ victory.
For Miami, the loss ended any hope of postseason play, made official when the Denver Broncos clinched the final AFC playoff spot earlier in the day. Tyler Huntley, starting for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, threw for 205 yards and a touchdown but was unable to match Rodgers’ brilliance.
The Dolphins also face uncertainty, particularly after star receiver Tyreek Hill appeared to hint at wanting out of Miami following the game. The offseason could bring major changes for a team that finished 8-9 and fell short of expectations.
Rodgers’ performance reaffirmed his place among the NFL’s all-time greats. Whether this was a final farewell or another chapter in his illustrious career remains to be seen. For Jets fans, it was a moment to savor, and for Rodgers, it was a fitting display of excellence in a season of challenges.
As Rodgers disappeared into the tunnel, the cheers followed him — a fitting sendoff for a legend, if indeed this was goodbye.
