Former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is on his third team in four years, currently playing for the AFC North’s Pittsburgh Steelers after a long stint with the Green Bay Packers that was followed by a brutal two year stint with the New York Jets.
Although he had a strong second half of the season in 2024, many came into the season doubting what he would be able to do in Pittsburgh with a limited receiving corps – after DK Metcalf – and a re-jigged offensive line.
But the former four-time MVP looked great on Sunday, going 22/30 for 246 yards, in addition to throwing for four touchdowns.
The win would have been sweet irregardless of the opposition after his difficult past couple of years in New York, where he missed almost the entirety of 2023 before going 5-12 in 2024, which ultimately lead to him getting released from the organization this past offseason.
However, the fact that it came against his most recent prior team, the Jets – with whom he really predominantly has poor memories – at least on the field, will have made everything substantially more sweet.
And the former Packer said so himself after the win, speaking to reporters on Sunday afternoon, per Mike Garafolo.
Aaron Rodgers Gloats After Win In Season Opener
“Aaron Rodgers asked about beating Aaron Glenn after the way their exit interview went: “I was happy to beat everyone associated with the Jets.” Garafolo posted on X after the Steelers’ win.
It is no secret that there is no love lost between the Jets and Rodgers, after they unceremoniously flew him all the way to New York for a 15-minute exit interview.
Plus, it is not like interview itself would have not given the former All-Pro any reason to have a positive view of the team with which he had arguably his two most disappointing seasons as a pro.
Rodgers Has No Love Lost For The New York Jets
According to Rodgers, whilst speaking to Pat McAfee, new Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn, told Rodgers they were planning on moving on due to fears that fellow players in the locker room would “look back” at the ex-Packer whilst Glenn was talking – an inference to the fact that the rookie HC believed future Hall of Fame signal caller would try to undermine him.
And instead of having a long conversation with Rodgers to see if they were on the same page and could align on the future of the team, Glenn decided – prior to the start of the meeting – that the team would relinquish the California native of his quarterbacking duties.
So it stands to reason that now-Steeler would be more than content to be responsible for the Jets going 0-1 to start the new season under former Chicago Bears and, ironically, Steelers quarterback, Justin Fields.
As implied by his choice of words in the quote, the new head coach is not the only person on Rodgers’ grudge-list, owner Woody Johnson.
Johnson and Rodgers were reported to be at odds with one another by the end of last season, with Rodgers even taking slight public digs at Jets owner. And it would have not doubt given Johnson significant pleasure to see Glenn and co. send him away from the organization.
But right now, its Rodgers laughing – at least for now.