Is this deserved? No. Does this make sense? Also, no.
The NFL Top 100 is a brilliant concept. We celebrate the upcoming season by looking ahead and imagining who might be the most impactful players in the upcoming season. It’s not about career achievement — it’s based off right now, with information we’ve gleaned from recent performance.
That emphasis is required, apparently, because for some damn reason Aaron Rodgers was No. 92 on the list for 2024.
Knowing there’s no justification for Rodgers being in the Top 100, NFL.com ‘s write up instead celebrated his career achievements. There’s no doubt Rodgers is a lock for Canton, but how in the world can anyone think for a second he’s one of the 100 best players in the league as it stands?
That’s the explicit message sent to voters. “This is not a career retrospective, but a celebration of the best of the best in the NFL right now.”
Some ballots from this year's #NFLTop100 voting
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) July 19, 2024
What stands out to you? pic.twitter.com/bDrDDFvF6d
What do we have to go off to say Rodgers is one of the “best of the best”? Well, his 2022 season in Green Bay was the lowest point of his career for a full season in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating — while throwing the second-most interceptions of his career. Then he went to New York, lasted four plays, and tore his achilles.
Meanwhile Trevor Lawrence, who finished below Rodgers at No. 94, did the following over the same two season period:
8,129 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns, 22 interceptions, posted a passer rating of 91.9.
Congrats to Aaron Rodgers for making the Top 100, I guess.
