The Green Bay Packers are going for their fifth win in the 2025 NFL regular season this Sunday.
But more than their desire to win their third win in a row since coming off a bye in Week 5, the Packers also have all eyes on their Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers because it will be the first time that they’d face former franchise face and quarterback Aaron Rodgers since the two sides parted ways in 2023.
Rodgers’ divorce from Green Bay isn’t that long ago. There are even several players on the team’s current roster that Rodgers played with during his final years with the Packers. Among them is right tackle Zach Tom, who is also building a good career with Green Bay, which selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Packers’ Zach Tom reflects on time with Rodgers
Tom (50) is shown during the fourth quarter of their preseason game Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 20-7.
Tom surely still remembers the time when he was part of Rodgers’ protection unit, albeit a short one.
Via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic:
Now one of the best right tackles in the NFL, Tom was a rookie fourth-round pick who started five games in Rodgers’ last year in Green Bay.
“Being in the huddle with him, he would always tell you, ‘If you can hold up right here, we’re going to score,’ and he was right most of the time,” Tom said. “Yeah, I’ve never really been around that before, so being able to say I protected him means a lot and it’s an honor.”
Now 26 years old, the former Wake Forest Demon Deacons star offensive lineman has gained plenty of wisdom since Rodgers left Green Bay, and he’ll look to put it to good use and to the Packers’ advantage against the Steelers’ defense — this time while protecting Rodgers’ successor in Titletown, quarterback Jordan Love.
Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Rodgers (8) looks at the scoreboard against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!