Aaron Rodgers is now going to be leading the Pittsburgh Steelers in the presumed final year of his NFL playing career. Rodgers spent the last two seasons with the Jets, though he only played in 2024 due to suffering a torn Achilles in the beginning of the 2023 season.
With Rodgers now leading another team in the AFC, he had a good chance of meeting his former team in the regular season or potentially in the playoffs. That will certainly be the case, as the Steelers and Jets will face off in Week 1.
The NFL should be proud for booking this revenge game for both the Jets and Steelers, as Rodgers will now be attempting to pass downfield against one of the best corners in the league: Sauce Gardner.
Gardner spoke about Rodgers on "The Pat McAfee Show," not holding back about his feelings.
Gardner was asked about his feelings toward facing Rodgers in Week 1.
"Man, it's going to be crazy. It's gonna be a lot of emotions in that game. I don't care what people say about him; he's a phenomenal person ... there's so much he has taught me as a player. Me playing cornerback, I am not thinking a quarterback can help me, you know? I'm looking forward to it cause he might think he knows all the tendencies I have, but this offseason has been me not trying to give everything away ... The Steelers got some DAWGS and I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Gardner spoke at length about how he has transformed himself this offseason, and is currently 200 pounds. Considering the work that he has put in to better himself, he sounds like he is plenty ready to take on Rodgers in Week 1.
Gardner also referred to Rodgers as a "wizard," but time will tell if the Jets' defense can stop Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, and more.
Gardner is also in the final year of his rookie contract, as the Jets have exercised his fifth-year option.
With the young star corner entering a contract year, he should be playing even harder than he has before. That is not to say that he has not played hard, but Gardner might have an even bigger breakout year to land a huge contract with the Jets.
Gardner taking on Rodgers in Week 1 is just poetic.
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