Fact Check: Did Aaron Rodgers Make the Longest Pass Attempt Since 2017?

In an electrifying “Unc Bowl” that captivated NFL fans across the country, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers delivered an unexpected offensive showcase during Thursday Night Football. The matchup featured a surprising quarterback duel between veterans Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, both over 40 years old, who combined for an impressive 591 passing yards and seven touchdowns.

While the game produced numerous highlight-worthy moments, perhaps the most remarkable came on the final play. Trailing by two points and beyond field goal range, Rodgers unleashed a desperate Hail Mary pass that ultimately fell incomplete. Despite the unsuccessful outcome, the throw immediately generated buzz for its extraordinary distance.

Following the game, NFL Next Gen Stats posted on social media that Rodgers’ pass traveled 69.8 yards through the air, claiming it was the longest recorded pass attempt since 2017. The measurement appeared legitimate—Rodgers launched the ball from his own 31-yard line, sending it all the way to the front of the Bengals’ end zone.

However, further investigation reveals this wasn’t actually the longest pass attempt in recent years. According to data from CBS and Pro Football Focus (PFF), Baker Mayfield threw a pass that traveled 70.5 yards in the air during a 2020 game. Like Rodgers’ attempt, Mayfield’s Hail Mary also fell incomplete, sailing out of the back of the end zone, but it covered more distance.

The discrepancy appears to stem from differences in measurement methodology. NFL Next Gen Stats seemingly tracked only the in-play portion of Rodgers’ throw, which measured 69 yards from the 31-yard line to the goal line. In contrast, PFF’s measurement of Mayfield’s pass included the full trajectory, including the distance the ball traveled beyond the back of the end zone.

When examining the field position, Mayfield released his throw from the opposing 40-yard line, meaning the in-bounds portion covered approximately 60 yards. However, PFF’s tracking indicates the ball continued another 10 yards beyond the back of the end zone, bringing the total air distance to 70.5 yards.

This creates an interesting technical distinction. In terms of raw distance traveled through the air, Mayfield’s throw exceeded Rodgers’ recent attempt. However, if measuring strictly by distance covered within the field of play, Rodgers’ pass would indeed represent the longest since 2017, as it traveled from deeper in his own territory.

The conversation around these throws highlights the evolution of football analytics and how different tracking systems can create varying statistical narratives. Next Gen Stats, implemented by the NFL in 2016, uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags in player equipment and the football itself to capture precise movement data during games. This technology has revolutionized how performances are measured and compared.

Both throws remain remarkable feats of arm strength, particularly considering Rodgers performed his at age 40, demonstrating he still possesses elite throwing power despite being in the twilight of his career. For context, most NFL quarterbacks struggle to throw accurately beyond 55 yards in game situations.

The Thursday night showdown between these veteran quarterbacks served as a reminder that aging players can still provide compelling performances. Fans have affectionately dubbed the contest “The Unc Bowl,” a nod to the “uncle” nickname often given to respected older players in sports.

While neither of these impressive throws resulted in completions or directly impacted the game’s outcome, they exemplify why fans remain so deeply engaged with the NFL. In a sport where every play is scrutinized and celebrated, even unsuccessful attempts can become talking points that transcend the game’s result, demonstrating the league’s unique ability to create memorable moments beyond the scoreboard.