It’s easy to forget that Aaron Rodgers was once one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. Before the calf strains, the Achilles tear, and the move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the guy was a legitimate nightmare to catch in the open field. He didn't run like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen. Honestly, he ran like a guy who knew exactly where the first-down marker was and how to get there while making a linebacker look silly.
Most people focus on the 66,274 passing yards and those four MVP trophies. But if you ignore the aaron rodgers rushing stats, you’re missing the "secret sauce" that made those early Green Bay years so impossible to defend. Even now, in 2026, as he navigates the twilight of his career in a Steelers uniform, that pocket mobility—or what’s left of it—dictates how defenses play him.
The Raw Numbers: Aaron Rodgers Rushing Stats Over Two Decades
Let’s get the math out of the way first. As of early 2026, Rodgers has racked up 3,634 career rushing yards in the regular season. That puts him in the upper echelon of mobile quarterbacks from his era. He’s also found the end zone 36 times on the ground. Think about that. Thirty-six times a defense thought they had everything covered, only for #12 to tuck the ball and slide into the paint.
His mobility has clearly evolved. Or, more accurately, it’s decelerated.
Back in 2009, he put up a career-high 316 rushing yards. He was 26 years old, had all his original ligaments, and wasn't afraid to take a hit. Fast forward to his 2025 season with Pittsburgh, and he’s down to 61 rushing yards on 21 carries. That’s a 2.9-yard average. Basically, he's only running when it’s a life-or-death situation for the drive.
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Breaking Down the Totals
- Career Rushing Yards: 3,634 (Regular Season)
- Career Rushing Touchdowns: 36
- Longest Career Run: 35 yards (against the Vikings in 2009)
- Playoff Rushing Yards: 285 yards and 4 touchdowns across 23 games.
The discrepancy between his peak and his current output is staggering. In 2024 with the Jets, he managed 107 yards. In 2025 with the Steelers, that number dipped. You can see the trend. He isn't "scrambling" anymore; he’s "calculating."
Why the Scramble Was More Lethal Than the Throw
There was a specific "Rodgers Era" in Green Bay where his legs were the ultimate back-breaker. You’d have the perfect coverage. You’d have a spy. And he’d still find a way to wiggle out of a sack and pick up 12 yards on 3rd-and-11.
His efficiency was elite. People talk about his passer rating, but his ability to avoid "negative plays" by using his feet was just as important. He has always been a master of the "free play"—getting the defense to jump offsides and then either hucking it deep or using the vacated space to scramble.
Even at 42, he showed flashes this past season. In January 2026, during a win against Baltimore, he didn't put up huge rushing numbers, but he used a 20-yard scamper to sustain a scoring drive. It was his longest run since 2018. It reminded everyone that while he’s older, he’s still got that "old man strength" and timing.
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The Impact of Injuries on the Ground Game
You can’t talk about his rushing stats without mentioning the 2023 Achilles injury. It changed everything. Before that, even in his late 30s, Rodgers could still give you 100 to 150 yards a season. Post-Achilles, he’s become almost exclusively a pocket passer.
The 2024 season with the New York Jets saw him finish with 107 rushing yards, which was actually impressive considering he was coming off a major surgery at age 40. But the "wiggle" is mostly gone. He relies on his 2.46-second average time to throw—one of the fastest in the league—to stay safe because he knows he can't outrun a 240-pound edge rusher anymore.
Playoff Rushing: The Stakes Get Higher
In the postseason, the aaron rodgers rushing stats tell a slightly different story. He’s much more willing to put his body on the line when a ring is at stake.
Across 23 career playoff games, he has 4 rushing touchdowns. That’s nearly one every five games. In high-leverage situations, particularly in the red zone, the threat of him tucking the ball often forced defenders to stay home, opening up those tiny windows for his receivers.
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His most recent playoff appearance in early 2026—a Wild Card loss to the Texans—was a grim reminder of age. He didn't record a single rushing yard. He was sacked four times. When he can't move, the offense stagnates. It’s a far cry from the Rodgers who ran for a score in Super Bowl XLV.
What's Left for the Future?
Looking at the trajectory of his career, we are likely seeing the end of the "Mobile Aaron" era. The Steelers have protected him with a conservative game plan, keeping his rushing attempts to a minimum.
Is he still a threat? Sorta. He’s a threat to pick up a 1st down if you completely ignore him. But he isn't going to break anyone's ankles in the secondary.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Stop projecting high rushing floors: If you’re looking at Rodgers for fantasy or betting, the "rushing bonus" is dead. Expect 5–10 yards a game, maximum.
- Watch the "Time to Throw": Since he can’t run, his survival depends on getting the ball out fast. If his TTT (Time to Throw) creeps above 2.7 seconds, he’s in trouble.
- Appreciate the efficiency: He still rarely turns the ball over while rushing. In 2025, he only had one fumble on his 21 carries.
The aaron rodgers rushing stats remind us that while the arm gets the headlines, the legs provided the foundation. He used to run to win; now, he runs to survive. Both versions are fascinating to watch, but for very different reasons.