PARIS, France — Aaron Rodgers added another historic accomplishment to his legendary NFL career Sunday afternoon, surpassing Peyton Manning for third place on the league’s all-time passing touchdowns list while leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Playing in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France, Rodgers threw his 540th career touchdown pass during the second quarter, moving ahead of Manning’s 539 and further cementing his place among the greatest quarterbacks in league history.
The milestone came in fitting fashion for the 42-year-old quarterback, who has continued to produce at a high level in what he has announced will be his final NFL season.
Pittsburgh’s victory at Stade de France improved the Steelers to 5-2, extending their winning streak to three games and keeping them firmly in contention in the AFC North. The Saints, meanwhile, fell to 2-5 after struggling to capitalize on several opportunities throughout the afternoon. (Steelers)
Rodgers Surpasses Manning With Historic Touchdown Pass
Rodgers entered Sunday’s matchup tied with Manning at 539 career regular-season touchdown passes, needing just one more to move into sole possession of third place in NFL history.
That moment arrived midway through the second quarter.
Facing third-and-14, Rodgers escaped pressure and connected with wide receiver DK Metcalf for a 51-yard completion, moving Pittsburgh deep into New Orleans territory.
On the following play, Rodgers found tight end Darnell Washington for a four-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers a 10-3 lead with 6:45 remaining in the first half.
Washington made an impressive contested catch against Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, using his 6-foot-7 frame to secure the football while maintaining possession and getting both feet in bounds.
The touchdown carried significance beyond Rodgers’ individual achievement. It was also the first touchdown scored in an NFL regular-season game played in France.
With the completion, Rodgers officially moved past Manning and joined an exclusive group of quarterbacks who have surpassed 540 career passing touchdowns. (Steelers)
Rodgers Continues Climbing the NFL Record Books
Rodgers’ latest accomplishment places him behind only Tom Brady and Drew Brees on the NFL’s all-time regular-season passing touchdowns leaderboard.
All-Time Passing TDs
(1) Tom Brady | 649
(2) Drew Brees | 571
(3) Aaron Rodgers | 540
(4) Peyton Manning | 539
(5) Brett Favre | 508
Manning, who played 17 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, retired following the 2015 season as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history.
Rodgers has now surpassed Manning in career touchdown passes while continuing to add to a résumé that includes four NFL Most Valuable Player awards, a Super Bowl championship and numerous passing records.
The accomplishment is particularly notable considering Rodgers’ longevity.
Originally selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Rodgers spent 18 seasons in Green Bay before joining the New York Jets in 2023. His career later continued in Pittsburgh, where he has experienced a resurgence in the final stages of his playing career.
Rodgers now trails Brees by 31 touchdown passes, although reaching second place would require another extraordinary stretch of production during his final season.
Regardless of where he finishes, Rodgers has already secured his position among the most accomplished quarterbacks the league has ever seen. (ESPN)
Steelers Control the Ground Game in Paris
Although Rodgers’ historic touchdown dominated the headlines, Pittsburgh’s running game played an equally important role in Sunday’s victory.
Running back Jaylen Warren delivered one of his most productive performances of the season, rushing for 101 yards on 18 carries while adding three receptions for 36 yards.
Warren helped establish Pittsburgh’s offensive approach early, breaking free for several substantial gains during the opening possession.
The Steelers moved the football effectively on their first drive, eventually settling for a 28-yard field goal from Chris Boswell to take a 3-0 lead.
Pittsburgh continued relying on its rushing attack throughout the afternoon, finishing with approximately 150 rushing yards while limiting New Orleans to just 18 yards on the ground.
Rico Dowdle also contributed 86 yards from scrimmage, giving Pittsburgh another dependable option out of the backfield.
Rodgers finished the afternoon completing 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown. While his statistical performance was relatively modest compared with some of his most productive games, his efficiency and situational decision-making helped Pittsburgh maintain control. (CBS Sports)
Saints Battle Back Before Pittsburgh’s Defense Takes Control
Despite Pittsburgh’s strong start, New Orleans remained competitive throughout the first half.
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough led an extended scoring drive late in the second quarter, eventually connecting with wide receiver Devaughn Vele for a one-yard touchdown on fourth down.
The score tied the game at 10 and briefly shifted momentum toward New Orleans.
However, Pittsburgh responded before halftime.
Boswell connected on a 47-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter, sending the Steelers into the locker room with a 13-10 advantage.
The second half became a defensive battle, with neither team able to consistently finish possessions.
New Orleans appeared positioned to take its first lead of the afternoon during the third quarter after advancing deep into Pittsburgh territory.
However, Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson delivered one of the game’s most important plays.
With the Saints threatening inside the Pittsburgh 10-yard line, Wilson intercepted Shough near the goal line, ending a lengthy New Orleans possession and preventing what could have been a momentum-changing touchdown.
The interception proved particularly significant because the Saints never scored again.
Pittsburgh added another Boswell field goal later in the third quarter, extending its advantage to 16-10.
The Steelers defense continued applying pressure throughout the fourth quarter, with linebackers Patrick Queen and T.J. Watt helping disrupt New Orleans’ offensive rhythm.
Queen finished with a team-high 10 tackles and a sack, while Watt contributed another sack as Pittsburgh limited the Saints’ opportunities to mount a comeback. (Steelers)
Rodgers Delivers One Final Play to Secure the Victory
Although Pittsburgh held a six-point advantage late in the fourth quarter, the outcome remained uncertain.
New Orleans had an opportunity to tie the game with a 52-yard field goal attempt, but kicker Daniel Carlson missed, preserving the Steelers’ lead.
Pittsburgh then needed to maintain possession and prevent the Saints from getting another opportunity.
With less than three minutes remaining, Rodgers faced a critical third-and-6 situation in New Orleans territory.
Rather than forcing a pass into coverage, the veteran quarterback escaped the pocket and scrambled for eight yards, picking up the first down and allowing Pittsburgh to continue draining the clock.
It was not the type of play typically associated with a quarterback in his 40s, but it demonstrated the awareness and competitiveness that have defined Rodgers’ career.
The conversion helped Pittsburgh exhaust the remaining time and secure its third consecutive victory.
Rodgers acknowledged afterward that he no longer possesses the same mobility he once did, but emphasized the importance of making a play when his team needed one.
For Pittsburgh, the scramble was every bit as valuable as his historic touchdown earlier in the afternoon. (CBS Sports)
Pittsburgh Makes NFL History for the Second Consecutive Season
Sunday’s victory represented another milestone for the Steelers franchise.
Pittsburgh became the first NFL team to win a regular-season game in Paris, adding to its distinction of winning the league’s first regular-season game in Dublin during the 2025 season.
The international victory also marked an important moment for head coach Mike McCarthy, whose team has continued building momentum following an inconsistent opening stretch.
At 5-2, the Steelers remain among the AFC’s strongest teams through seven weeks.
Pittsburgh’s recent success has been built around a combination of disciplined defense, an effective running game and timely contributions from Rodgers.
While the offense has not always produced overwhelming statistics, the Steelers have demonstrated an ability to control possession and execute in critical situations.
Sunday’s performance was another example of that formula.
The Steelers converted 10 of their 16 third-down opportunities, controlled the line of scrimmage and prevented New Orleans from establishing a consistent rushing attack.
With a divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns approaching, Pittsburgh will look to extend its winning streak and strengthen its position in the AFC North. (Steelers)
Another Historic Chapter in Rodgers’ Final Season
As Rodgers approaches the conclusion of his NFL career, performances like Sunday’s continue adding to a legacy that was already firmly established.
His 540th touchdown pass was not simply another statistical milestone. It represented more than two decades of sustained excellence at the quarterback position.
From his early years behind Brett Favre in Green Bay to his emergence as one of the most efficient passers in NFL history, Rodgers has built a career defined by precision, arm talent and an extraordinary ability to protect the football.
Surpassing Manning places him ahead of another quarterback whose career helped define an entire generation of professional football.
And while the milestone will undoubtedly become one of the lasting memories of his final season, Rodgers remains focused on helping Pittsburgh compete for a championship.
The Steelers have now won three consecutive games, and their veteran quarterback continues demonstrating that he can contribute to winning football despite being in the final stages of his career.
Sunday afternoon in Paris provided a fitting combination of individual history and team success.
Rodgers moved into third place on one of the NFL’s most prestigious statistical leaderboards, while Pittsburgh secured another important victory in its pursuit of a postseason berth.
For a quarterback whose career has already featured countless memorable moments, the first NFL touchdown ever scored in France will now hold a permanent place in his remarkable story.
