Vikings' big offseason addition already making franchise history

His first touchdown came on a pick-six in the first quarter. While the interception and score came off Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning, playing in the place of an injured Joe Burrow, who was out due to a toe injury, it was still an impressive 87-yard catch and run. 

Rodgers' second touchdown was even more impressive, as he punched the ball out from Bengals tight end Noah Fant's control, scooped the ball off the ground and ran it back for a 66-yard touchdown. 

Isaiah Rodgers making an impact early in Minnesota Vikings tenure

Rodgers signed a two-year, $15M contract with the Vikings at the start of the offseason. Rodgers had $8M of his contract fully guaranteed, and with his first-half performance alone, he is certainly earning all of that money. 

In his five years in the NFL, Rodgers hasn't been named an All-Pro or made it to the Pro Bowl. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 draft by the Indianapolis Colts and recorded three interceptions in 2021.

Amid a one-season suspension in 2023 due to violating the league's gambling policy, Rodgers was waived by the Colts and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a depth piece for the Super Bowl champs. He'd only stay a year there before the Vikings' need for a stronger defensive backfield led him to Minnesota.

Rodgers' career day Sunday included another forced turnover after he punched the ball out of wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's grip. According to NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, Rodgers became the first player with a pick-six and fumble recovery for a touchdown in the same game since 2018. Further, Rodgers is also the first player with a pick-six and fumble recovery for a touchdown that both went 50-plus yards since 2017.