Aaron Rodgers
It took a long time for Aaron Rodgers to get the glory he deserves. After having great success during his college career for the University of California, Berkeley, he was picked No. 24 in the NFL draft and started his career as the back-up quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in the 2005 season, behind the franchise's beloved quarterback, Brett Favre. After flirting with retirement, Favre decided to continue his career in the 2006 season, and Rodgers again found himself playing second fiddle. The same thing happened in 2007. Finally, after years of waiting, Rodgers helmed a disappointing 2008 season (the team finished with a 6-10 record) and a moderately successful 2009 season with a record of 11-5. But 2010 was a different story. Rodgers led his team to several key victories, vanquishing, among others, the top-ranked Atlanta Falcons and the Packers' long-time rival, the Chicago Bears. On Feb. 6, 2011, the Packers faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Rodgers ended the season with 3,922 passing yards, 28 touchdowns — and a Super Bowl ring. He was named Super Bowl MVP and FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year. Proving the Super Bowl was no fluke, Rodgers has led the team to a perfect record in their first 12 games of this season.