Newly signed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is renowned for his versatile playing ability and precision passing. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, then traded to the New York Jets in 2023, Rodgers has established himself as one of the most prominent passers in the league.
Like other football dreams, his journey began in college. So, where did Rodgers first make his mark? Let’s take a look at his college football journey.
Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Career Shaped by College Success, Draft Tumble
Aaron Rodgers emerged in the early 2000s as a solid preps prospect from Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California. He was a highly productive QB but received little attention from Division I schools. At that time, he was around 5’10” and 165 pounds.
Rodgers then enrolled at a local junior college, Butte College in Oroville, California, where he immediately made an impact. In 2002, he led Butte College to a 10-1 record and threw for 26 touchdowns. He earned all-conference honors for that season.
Rodgers’ transfer to California-Berkeley was almost accidental. Cal Head Coach Jeff Tedford was recruiting another Butte College player when he noticed Rodgers throwing incredible passes during practice.
Tedford was impressed by Rodgers’s arm strength, accuracy, and quick release, and he offered him a scholarship almost immediately. In 2003, Rodgers accepted and transferred to the Golden Bears.
At Cal, Rodgers quickly rose, becoming the starting QB midway through the 2003 season. He threw for over 2,900 yards and 19 touchdowns across his two years with the Golden Bears. His sharp decision-making abilities and calm demeanor in the pocket helped elevate Cal to national relevance.
In 2004, Rodgers led the Golden Bears to a 10-1 season record and a top-five national ranking. He also posted a 66.1% completion percentage and 24 touchdown passes.
One of Rodgers’ defining moments in college football came during a 2004 showdown against the then-No. 1-ranked USC Trojans. Rodgers completed 23 consecutive passes in that game, tying an NCAA record. Although Cal narrowly lost 23-17, Rodgers finished the high-stakes game by going 29-of-34 passing for more than 250 yards.
After a superb 2004 season, Rodgers decided to forego his senior year and declare for the 2005 NFL Draft. He fell to the No. 24 pick, and the Packers selected him as Brett Favre’s eventual successor.
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He led the Packers to a 2011 Super Bowl XLV victory and was named Super Bowl MVP. After a stellar tenure with the Packers marred by off-field controversy, including spats with Green Bay management, he moved on to the Jets.
From his underdog start at Butte College to his meteoric rise at Cal, Rodgers’ college career is a blueprint for resilience and development to become one of the greatest in NFL history.
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