Was Aaron Rodgers part of the consideration when plotting the NFL schedule for the 2025 regular season? Was it so he could face his former team while paying for his new one? As it turned out, the match-up between the Steelers and the Jets was simply a stroke of fate.
In an interview with the program “Up and Adams,” NFL Vice President of Broadcasting and Scheduling Mike North clarified that the schedule released, which features a Week 1 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, has nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers
“The Steeler schedule obviously only gets more interesting if a future Hall of Fame quarterback decides to play,” North said. “But they’re still the Steelers, and you know that coach has never had a losing season. They’re always in the playoff chase down the stretch.”
“We don’t know anything more than anybody else. The schedule was built for Coach [Mike] Tomlin and for the Steelers, and if Aaron decides to play, it probably just makes many, if not all, the Steelers games a little more interesting.”
In fact, North even confirmed that if Rodgers has been a confirmed Steeler before the schedule got released, they would have done something about it.
“If we knew for certain that Aaron was going to be the quarterback of the Steelers, we might’ve done something a little different in Week 1 with the Steelers game. You’ll see Pittsburgh at the Jets are on CBS at 1 o’clock in the afternoon in Week 1 along with seven other NFL games all at the same time.”
“I think if the league knew, we probably would’ve scheduled that game for a national television window.”
Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers, NFL
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins, on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
How The NFL Schedule “Confirmed” Aaron Rodgers Rumors
The NFL’s 2025 schedule release reignited speculation about Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, as several key matchups seemed strategically placed to accommodate his possible arrival. The Steelers were given four primetime games, including a Week 8 Sunday Night Football showdown against the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers’ former team.
Green Bay Packers, Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rodgers
Dec 17, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Additionally, their Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets, where Rodgers played for the past two seasons, fueled further rumors about a potential revenge game.
While Rodgers has yet to make a decision, the way the schedule was structured suggests that the league is leaving room for a potential blockbuster storyline, should he ultimately land in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers, Miami Dolphins
Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Whether or not Aaron Rodgers signs, the Steelers’ schedule ensures that they remain a must-watch team in 2025.
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