Quarterback Aaron Rodgers first began playing organized football in high school, but his notable career start dates to his college debut at UC Davis in 2003, his transition to Wisconsin that year, and his 2005 sophomore year with the Badgers. He entered the NFL when the Packers selected him 24th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, sat behind Brett Favre for several seasons, and earned his first career start late in the 2006 campaign. This profile clarifies key start dates, distinguishes college versus pro timelines, and outlines early milestones that shaped his path to becoming a starting quarterback in Green Bay.
Early Years and High School Start
Rodgers grew up in Chico, California, and played football at Pleasant Valley High School. As a high school quarterback, he led his team to a 12–1 record in 2000 and threw for 2,425 yards and 26 touchdowns that season. These performances drew attention from college recruiters and signaled the start of his development as a dual-threat passer who could extend plays with his legs.
College Debut and Position Change
Rodgers enrolled at the University of California, Davis, in 2001 and redshirted as a true freshman. He made his college football debut with the UC Davis Aggies in 2003, appearing in several games before switching to wide receiver midseason. Later in 2003, he moved to quarterback, a position he had not played since high school, and began learning the Wisconsin playbook after transferring there midyear. Rodgers eventually walked on at Wisconsin and earned a scholarship, marking a crucial restart point in his college career.
2005 Wisconsin Emergence
In 2005, as a junior, Rodgers became Wisconsin’s primary quarterback. He completed 181 of 318 passes for 2,128 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, establishing himself as an accurate, quick-decision passer. His performance in this pivotal season helped put his name in the 2006 NFL Draft conversation and signaled the start of his pathway to the pros.
NFL Draft and Entry into the League
Projected as a mid-to-late round pick, Rodgers was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. The Packers valued his accuracy, pocket presence, and improvisational ability. He signed a multiyear contract, joined a roster that still featured Brett Favre as the starter, and began what would be several seasons of development and backup duty.
| Season | Team | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | UC Davis | College debut; switched from wide receiver to quarterback midyear | Began transitioning to QB |
| 2005 | Wisconsin | 2005 starter | 2,128 passing yards, 19 TDs, 9 INTs |
| 2005 | Packers | Drafted 24th overall | 2005 NFL Draft; backup to Favre |
| 2006 | Packers | First career start (Week 12) | Relieved Favre; won vs. Minnesota |
| 2007 | Packers | Increased role | Played multiple downs as Favre’s backup |
First Start and Immediate Impact
In 2006, Rodgers earned his first career start in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings after Favre was sidelined. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Packers to a victory. This start marked the beginning of his regular-season NFL career and hinted at the arm talent and decision-making that would define his eventual ascent to full-time starter and eventual MVP-caliber quarterback.
From Backup to Full-Time Starter
Rodgers remained Favre’s backup for most of the 2007 season, playing on first- and second-down packages and gaining experience under center. Favre’s departure before 2008 created an opening, and Rodgers won the starting job in training camp. Once named the starter, he began a run of consistent play, steadily building the reputation as one of the most efficient quarterbacks of his era and setting the stage for future MVP campaigns.
Key Takeaways on When Rodgers Started
- High school standout: Clear start as a starter in 2000 at Pleasant Valley High School (12–1 record).
- College restart: 2003 at UC Davis, then 2005 as Wisconsin’s full-time quarterback.
- NFL entry: Drafted 24th overall in 2005 by the Packers.
- First NFL start: Week 12 of the 2006 season against the Minnesota Vikings.
- Became full-time starter: Training camp ahead of the 2008 season after Favre’s exit.
Understanding when Aaron Rodgers started requires separating high school, college, and professional timelines. His first significant organized quarterback start came in high school in 2000, his college restart happened in 2003, and he earned his first NFL start during his second season in 2006. These milestones collectively frame the early career of a quarterback who would go on to win a Super Bowl and multiple MVP awards.