Last spring, Aaron Rodgers took months to decide whether and where he would play during the 2025 NFL season.
The season kicked off on Sunday, and representing the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers quickly returned to his high-caliber quarterback form reminiscent of his peak days, slicing through defenses like he used to, starkly contrasting the struggles he faced last season.
Taking on the New York Jets, the very team that had bluntly shown Rodgers the door last winter, the 41-year-old veteran quarterback — currently the oldest active player in the league — effortlessly threw four touchdowns to four separate receivers by the early stages of the fourth quarter in their season opener.
That alone was notable — he had just one game with four touchdown passes all last season. But Rodgers wasn’t done.
With the Steelers down 32-31 and only 3:13 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, they regained possession 81 yards away from the goal line. In just seven plays, thanks to Rodgers’ two long completions and a crucial pass interference drawn on another throw, the Steelers set themselves up for a game-winning field goal, clinching a 34-32 victory.
Rodgers finished the game with 22 completions out of 30 attempts, amassing 244 yards. Despite being sacked four times, he maintained a clean record without any interceptions. His connection with fellow newcomer, DK Metcalf, was evident as he found him four times, tallying a team-high 83 yards.
This matchup spotlighted an exchange of quarterbacks no longer desired by their previous teams. Justin Fields, who initially started for Pittsburgh last season before Russell Wilson took the helm, showed renewed vigor, completing 16 of his 22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown, alongside rushing for two more touchdowns.
Rodgers hinted this NFL season might be his last, capping a career that boasts a Super Bowl win and four MVP awards. Despite his consistently powerful throwing arm, a dip in recent performance levels coupled with controversial off-field incidents left limited teams showing interest in signing him over the offseason.
Through additions that included adding Metcalf and defensive back Jalen Ramsey in the offseason, Pittsburgh made moves to position itself as a contender in the AFC. The biggest variable was Rodgers. Through one game, he was their biggest asset.
