Texans D stifles Steelers, ignites offseason of Aaron Rodgers speculation
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Texans D stifles Steelers, ignites offseason of Aaron Rodgers speculation
Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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7 min read
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PITTSBURGH – Wired headphones inserted into his ears and the hood of his gray sweatshirt flipped up – not long after he ended his news conference with a f-bomb – one of the best to ever step foot on a football field was on his way toward the exits of Acrisure Stadium following thePittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Houston Texans, 30-6, in the final game of the NFL wild-card round.
Whether it was thefinal time Aaron Rodgers departeda locker room as a NFL player figures to be an offseason-long question. For the second straight year, Rodgers will take his time contemplating his next steps. There's the possibility of retirement after 21 NFL seasons, four MVPs, a Super Bowl MVP and more lines than necessary to collate a Hall of Fame resume. He could sign with a different, expected contender. Returning for another go-round with theSteelersandhead coach Mike Tomlinis certainly on the table.
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In his postgame news conference, Rodgers lamented not doing much with the amount of opportunities provided to the Steelers' offense by the defense, which forced three turnovers, on Monday. He also warned that he'd be avoiding any emotional decisions.
"I'm disappointed. Obviously, it was such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun."
Rodgers said that the 2025 season marked an "overall" great year in his life. He got married. He made the postseason for the first time since the 2021 season.
"This is a really good part of that, coming here and being part of this team, so it's disappointing to be sitting here with the season over."
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Asked point-blank if he'd want to continue playing in Pittsburgh should he decide another season in the NFL was what he wanted, Rodgers replied: "I'm not going to talk about that."
Rodgers said he'll "get away" – coming to a darkness retreat near you – have the "right conversations" before making any grand plans.
"I've answered this before," Rodgers said. "Every game could be my final game."
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
(Bob DeChiara, Imagn Images)
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
(Bob DeChiara, Imagn Images)
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)
BackupMason Rudolphreplaced Rodgers for the Steelers' final offensive drive of the game, which became a blowout thanks to two fourth-quarter touchdowns by theTexans' defense. Rodgers was sacked four times. Potentially,Rodgers' last pass in the NFLwas a pick-six returned 50 yards byCalen Bullock. Rodgers was 17 of 33 passing for 146 yards and the pick, with one fumble lost that was returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter bySheldon Rankins, the dam breaking on the Steelers' season.
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Did loss toTexansmark end of Tomlin era in Pittsburgh?
Tomlin, the Steelers coach, now finds himself at a career crossroads, it seems.
"I'm not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight," Tomlin said from the podium. "I'm more in the mindset of what transpired in this stadium and certainly what we did and didn't do – not a big-picture mentality as I sit here tonight."
Tomlin, 53, won a Super Bowl in his second season with the Steelers and was back in the big game two years later. He's now lost seven straight playoff games and owns an 8-12 postseason record. The last win came after the 2016 season.
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"I don't necessarily compare it to any other moment," Tomlin said. "It's the here and now, and certainly it's difficult. But that's what we sign up for. That's the life we live."
Tomlin said he always feels optimistic in terms of building a roster that can win in both the regular season and playoffs.
"When you don't get it done, words are cheap. It's about what you do or you don't do … people talk too much in our business," Tomlin said. "You either do or you don't."
Steelers' defensive endCam Heywardsaid the outside noise doesn't affect him because nobody outside of the Steelers' building can comprehend the effort Tomlin puts into his team and the entire operation.
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"Coaches can only do so much," he said. "Players have to play better. In those critical moments, players have to step up."
Once again, the class of the conference existed tiers above what the Steelers were capable of reaching. Even with a future Hall of Famer at quarterback, the Steelers needed until the final game of the regular season to wrap up the division against an opponent that fired their head coach, as John Harbaugh had been employed by the rivalBaltimore Ravensfor 18 years before his dismissal. Harbaugh was the only coach who rivaled Tomlin's longevity of 19 seasons in the same place. Never has he turned in a losing campaign, including a 10-7 mark this year.
Will Year 20 – if there is one to be had for Tomlin in Pittsburgh – bring more of that same standard? Or can they take the next step? The fans at Acrisure Stadium who didn't wait for the final horn – at least half of the black-and-yellow-clad crowd – might not want to answer that question.
In fact, noticeable "Fire Tomlin!" chants permeated the brisk air as the final minutes ticked away. The boos were louder.
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The classic Twitter "Mike Tomlin/Steelers voodoo dark magic" jokes don't even hit the same anymore, especially if the result is, at best, a first-round exit.
C.J. Stroudand the Texans tried to give the game away by consistently fumbling the football, but neither Steelers' unit took advantage. Pittsburgh's defense is the most expensive one in football. Neither the stats nor the tape made that make sense throughout the season.
Rodgers himself dropped to 11-11 as a starter in the postseason. He has stated throughout the year that he's enjoyed his time with Tomlin and the Steelers. NFL Media reported that the team would be open to bringing him back next season. He looks rejuvenated compared to the version of the future Hall of Famer that played last season on theNew York Jets, one season after he tore his ACL on the fourth play of the season during his "Gang Green" debut.
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The arm strength remains. He had no problem overthrowingCalvin Austin IIIon a go route in the third quarter, with the ball traveling about 60 yards through the air with ease. Or an intermediate threading of the needle toAdam Thielento start a drive later that quarter.
Aaron Rodgers played football at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001. During his junior and senior seasons as starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed 4,419 passing yards while helping the Vikings to a 17-7 mark.
(Aaron Rodgers)
California Golden Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to throw against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Oct. 9, 2004.
(Peter Brouillet, USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, drafted 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers, poses with family and friends during the 2005 NFL draft at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on April 23, 2005.
(Chris Trotman, Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' first round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, is introduced by GM Ted Thompson on April 24, 2005.
(USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis. via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
Aaron Rodgers reacts after he threw a 7-yard touchdown to John Kuhn in the third quarter of the 2010 NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 15, 2011. Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and ran for a third in the Packers' 48-21 win.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers pumps his fist in the air celebrating the 2010 NFC championship game victory over the Chicago Bears on Jan. 23, 2011 at Soldier Field.
(PC Photo, The Post-Crescent)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presents the Super Bowl MVP trophy to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at a news conference on Feb. 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Aaron Rodgers celebrates the Super Bowl XLV title with Green Bay Packer fans during a Return to Titletown Celebration on Feb. 8, 2011 at Lambeau Field.
(Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
President Barack Obama receives a jersey from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (L) of the Green Bay Packers during a reception for the National Football League Super Bowl XLV champions on the south lawn of the White House on Aug. 12, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Packers, lead by head coach Mike McCarthy, finished the 2010 season with a winning record of 10-6, and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win the championship.
(Mark Wilson, Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers plays during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Feb. 8, 2018.
(Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports)
Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers look on during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 17, 2019. Rodgers has an ownership stake in the NBA team.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers is shown with back up quarterbacks Tim Boyle (left) and Jordan Love during the team's training camp in Green Bay, Wis., on Aug. 24, 2020.
(Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Aaron Rodgers served as guest host of "Jeopardy!" for two weeks from April 6-15, 2021.
(Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions)
Aaron Rodgers celebrates his rushing touchdown during a 24-14 win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Oct. 17, 2021.
(Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers stand arm in arm late in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 win against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field
(Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is lifted up by guard Lucas Patrick after breaking Brett Favre's franchise record for touchdown passes during a Christmas Day 2021 game against the Cleveland Browns.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field with teammate Randall Cobb following a season-ending loss to the Detroit Lions on Jan, 8, 2023 at Lambeau Field.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets prior to the 2023 season after spending the first 18 years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.
(Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is injured after a sack by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd during his first drive with the Jets on Sept. 11, 2023.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers looks on from the sideline during the New York Jets' 30-0 loss against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 17, 2023.
(Sam Navarro, USA TODAY Sports)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) signs a fan’s helmet before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Morgan Tencza, Imagn Images)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) high-five each other as they walks off the field after a 32-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Corey Perrine, Florida Times-Union)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
(Kevin R. Wexler, NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY Network)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates his touchdown pass to New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
The ball used by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his 500th touchdown pass is seen on the sideline during the second quarter of the Jets game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after a win against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbles as he is hit by the Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. The Texans' Sheldon Rankins (90) returned the fumble for a touchdown as Houston went on to a 30-6 wild-card playoff win at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 12, 2026.
(Joe Sargent, Getty Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers played football at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001. During his junior and senior seasons as starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed 4,419 passing yards while helping the Vikings to a 17-7 mark.
(Aaron Rodgers)
1/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers played football at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001. During his junior and senior seasons as starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed 4,419 passing yards while helping the Vikings to a 17-7 mark.
(Aaron Rodgers)
2/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
California Golden Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to throw against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Oct. 9, 2004.
(Peter Brouillet, USA TODAY Sports)
3/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, drafted 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers, poses with family and friends during the 2005 NFL draft at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on April 23, 2005.
(Chris Trotman, Getty Images)
4/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' first round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, is introduced by GM Ted Thompson on April 24, 2005.
(USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis. via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
5/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers reacts after he threw a 7-yard touchdown to John Kuhn in the third quarter of the 2010 NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 15, 2011. Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and ran for a third in the Packers' 48-21 win.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers pumps his fist in the air celebrating the 2010 NFC championship game victory over the Chicago Bears on Jan. 23, 2011 at Soldier Field.
(PC Photo, The Post-Crescent)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presents the Super Bowl MVP trophy to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at a news conference on Feb. 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers celebrates the Super Bowl XLV title with Green Bay Packer fans during a Return to Titletown Celebration on Feb. 8, 2011 at Lambeau Field.
(Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
10/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
President Barack Obama receives a jersey from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (L) of the Green Bay Packers during a reception for the National Football League Super Bowl XLV champions on the south lawn of the White House on Aug. 12, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Packers, lead by head coach Mike McCarthy, finished the 2010 season with a winning record of 10-6, and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win the championship.
(Mark Wilson, Getty Images)
11/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers plays during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Feb. 8, 2018.
(Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports)
12/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers look on during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 17, 2019. Rodgers has an ownership stake in the NBA team.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers is shown with back up quarterbacks Tim Boyle (left) and Jordan Love during the team's training camp in Green Bay, Wis., on Aug. 24, 2020.
(Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers served as guest host of "Jeopardy!" for two weeks from April 6-15, 2021.
(Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers celebrates his rushing touchdown during a 24-14 win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Oct. 17, 2021.
(Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers stand arm in arm late in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 win against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field
(Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
17/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is lifted up by guard Lucas Patrick after breaking Brett Favre's franchise record for touchdown passes during a Christmas Day 2021 game against the Cleveland Browns.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
18/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field with teammate Randall Cobb following a season-ending loss to the Detroit Lions on Jan, 8, 2023 at Lambeau Field.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
19/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets prior to the 2023 season after spending the first 18 years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.
(Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports)
20/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is injured after a sack by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd during his first drive with the Jets on Sept. 11, 2023.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
21/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers looks on from the sideline during the New York Jets' 30-0 loss against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 17, 2023.
(Sam Navarro, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) signs a fan’s helmet before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Morgan Tencza, Imagn Images)
23/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) high-five each other as they walks off the field after a 32-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Corey Perrine, Florida Times-Union)
24/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
(Kevin R. Wexler, NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY Network)
25/28
Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates his touchdown pass to New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
The ball used by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his 500th touchdown pass is seen on the sideline during the second quarter of the Jets game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after a win against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbles as he is hit by the Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. The Texans' Sheldon Rankins (90) returned the fumble for a touchdown as Houston went on to a 30-6 wild-card playoff win at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 12, 2026.
(Joe Sargent, Getty Images)
But tailoring the offense to Rodgers' wants and needs reaches a point of diminishing returns. Early in the game, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith moved the pocket for Rodgers, who rolled left, flipped hips, found a wide-openDK Metcalfon an intermediate crossing route for a pickup of 25 yards. Rodgers went back to him on the next play and drew a defensive pass interference call.
The Steelers did their best to bring in components that helped in the effort to distribute the ball quickly.Kenneth Gainwellearned Rodgers' trust through an ability to seemingly always make the first tackler miss. Metcalf, when available, put his YAC-prowess to use. Tomlin and the front office placated Rodgers by signing veterans Adam Thielen andMarquez Valdes-Scantling.
Tomlin's patience last offseason netted him Rodgers under the presumption that the Steelers were simply competent quarterback play away from being contenders.
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Rodgers said the Steelers have the pieces in place to remain in the playoff race. Metcalf is under contract for the next handful of seasons. The team will have to keep Gainwell in the building, Rodgers advised.
Coming together as a team during training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania is one of the many fun moments of the 2025 season Rodgers will return to with fondness, he said.
"We faced a lot of adversity. But there's a lot of special moments that I'll think back on," Rodgers said. "Right now, it's just disappointment. But thankful to put the colors on and run out of the tunnel and be a part of this organization."
Fueled by frustration from having to constantly answer the same question – whatdidhe learn about Tomlin this year? – Rodgers said as much, dropped an expletive, and got up from his seat at the microphone to end his press conference.
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Rodgers then strolled toward the exit, hood up and headphones in, stopped to talk with right guardMason McCormickand a few Texans players outside of the visitor's locker room, and then was on his way.
To where is a question that has an answer nearly as complicated as the guy it is about.
