A Comparison of Two Football Legends

This Sunday, football fans across America got a real treat, as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers matched up against Drew Brees and the Saints. Both of these quarterbacks have had absolutely astonishing, hall of fame worthy careers, which is impressive since neither hails from major football college (Rodgers went to California, while Brees went to Purdue). Neither was exactly a high draft pick either, as Brees was a second round pick, while Rodgers was picked in the 20’s. But Rodgers natural talent, and Brees’s football IQ and leadership have led both of them to be not only two of the greatest players of our generation, but some of the greatest players of all time. I figured it would be fun to look back at the careers both of them have had and then do some statistical comparisons following an outstanding game!

Aaron Rodgers:

Although drafted in 2005, Rodgers did not make his first professional start until 3 years later, in 2008, where he started all 16 games that season, throwing 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. During the three years he did not start, he learned from reluctant mentor Brett Favre, another hall of famer who helped Rodgers become the player he is today just by being himself on the field. His career achievements are right up there with anybody else, as he is a: 8 time pro bowler, 2 time all pro, 2 time MVP, and most importantly, 1 time super bowl champion! Although Green Bay has a very storied history with quarterbacks, Rodger’s has managed to make his case for being the greatest to ever play for the cheese heads, and currently has them at 2-0 and looking ready to contend for his second super bowl.

Drew Brees:

Drafted back in 2001, Drew Brees started his career with the Chargers, although he is much more well known for the time that he has spent as a member of the saints. Although he was spectacular at Purdue, teams were worried about his height, and so he slipped to the beginning of the second round. He has what is possibly an even more impressive resume than Rodgers does, as he is a: All time passing TD’s and passing yards leader, 13 time pro bowler, 1 time all pro, 2004 comeback player of the year, the 2006 Walter Peyton man of the year, 2 time offensive player of the year, and also a one time super bowl champion. The big knock on Brees’s achievements is the fact that he has not won an MVP.

Statistical Comparison (first line= Rodgers second line=Brees for each statistic):

Stats for Career

Aaron Rodgers

Drew Brees

Win-Loss Record

115-60-1 (65%)

164-112 (59%)

Playoff Win-Loss Record

10-8 (56%)

8-8 (50%)

Completion Percentage

64.6%

67.6%

Passing Yards

47,550

77,888

Passing TD’s

370

550

Interceptions

84

238

Quarterback Rating

102.6

98.3

4th Quarter Comebacks

16

35

Game Winning Drives

23

50

MVP’S

2

0

Super Bowl Rings

1

1

The stats seem to point to Drew Brees being the better quarterback, but keep in mind that Brees has played for 5 more seasons than Rodgers has even been in the league. Both are surefire hall of farmers, and they put on a great game for Sunday night football! I will leave it up to you all to decide who the better quarterback is, but there is no wrong answer on this.