Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, holding a 4-2 record, return to the national spotlight on Sunday night when they face Matt LaFleur’s 4-1-1 Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Both squads enter the matchup atop their divisions, setting the stage for a high-stakes “Sunday Night Football” clash that could shape the course of their seasons.
A major storyline for the Steelers revolves around quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is preparing to face his former team for the first time. Green Bay selected Rodgers with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, and his matchup against the Packers adds extra intrigue to an already highly anticipated game.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, LaFleur brushed aside the storylines surrounding the matchup, emphasizing that the focus isn’t on Green Bay going up against Rodgers but on preparing for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a whole, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
“We’re playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, who happen to have Aaron Rodgers. It’s as simple as that,” remarked the Packers head coach.
Matt LaFleur focused on Packers-Steelers not Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in between quarters against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Apc Packvsbears 0918220673djp
“That is for you guys to talk about. Granted, I mean, we’ve got a lot of love and respect for Aaron. What he’s done here, I mean, he’s a Hall of Famer. And I know, like our past together, we had a lot of great moments, but this game is not about that. It’s about going to Pittsburgh, “Sunday Night Football,” our guys will be jacked up, their guys will be jacked up. It’s about the Green Bay Packers versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
LaFleur worked with Rodgers in Green Bay from 2019 through 2022 before the Packers dealt the veteran quarterback to the New York Jets in 2023 and officially began the Jordan Love era. Following two injury-plagued years in New York, Rodgers signed with the Steelers during the offseason and has since led them to an impressive 4-2 record to open the year.
Dec 29, 2019; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur (left) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off their victory over the Cardinals, the Packers are focused on maintaining their level of play rather than getting caught up in the narratives surrounding Aaron Rodgers. Still, fans can’t help but feel the buzz of anticipation that comes with facing their former franchise quarterback.
Rodgers spent 18 years with the Packers, including 15 as the team’s starting quarterback, earning four MVP honors and leading Green Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2011.