Aaron Rodgers Takes Direct Shot At New York Jets After Steelers Win AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers were lucky enough to walk out of Acrisure Stadium with a ticket to the playoffs. It wasn’t without drama, though, as kicker Chris Boswell missed his first extra point of the season at the worst possible time. The miss sent a shockwave through the stadium, leaving fans stunned and momentarily silent, but the game was far from over. Pittsburgh still held a narrow lead, and the outcome now rested squarely on the shoulders of the defense.

That task became immediately uncomfortable when Lamar Jackson went to work, quickly slicing through the Steelers’ defense and pushing the Ravens into field goal range. With Baltimore lining up for what looked like a chance to steal the game, tension filled the air in Pittsburgh. 

Then, in a sudden reversal of fortune, a little bit of luck broke the Steelers’ way. Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal, allowing Pittsburgh to escape with a dramatic 26–24 victory and keep their season alive.

The win also served as a defining moment in the Steelers’ bold decision to go all in on Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season, a move that many questioned due to the quarterback’s age and long postseason absence. Rodgers, now 42, hadn’t played in a playoff game since the 2021 season, making the moment especially emotional. 

While speaking with Pittsburgh media after the game, Rodgers reflected on how much the opportunity meant to him, while taking a subtle jab at the New York Jets’ 2024 season, hinting that meaningful football in January feels a lot different when expectations actually match reality.

"Yeah a lot of gratitude," Rodgers said. "A lot of gratitude for the journey. You know every single season is different. It has its challenges and adversity. We have not made it easy on ourselves really all season I guess but I am proud of our guys."

It didn’t take long for Rodgers to bring up his 2024 season with the Jets. 

Though he did so subtly, the simple statement spoke volumes, quietly highlighting just how bad things truly were in New York during that 2024 season.

"It just takes a little belief at this point in the season," Rodgers said. "There is 14 teams that will be left and 18 will be planning their offseason. It's good to be part of the 14 after so many years... 2024 we were terrible. It's nice to be back in this position."

Rodgers wasn’t awful in the 2024 season, putting up respectable numbers with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, but his team struggled. The Jets won just five games, yet many believed Rodgers was not the problem. 

Steelers Hopeful For A Magical Run From Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan clearly shared that view, going all in to acquire him. Rodgers has been a major reason the Steelers went 10–7 and captured the AFC North. He has been a strong leader and brought a significant impact to the Steel City.

Now Rodgers has the chance to lead the Steelers to their seventh Super Bowl. The journey begins against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. For Rodgers, it is his first postseason appearance since the 2021 season, and he is hungry to make this run last as long as possible.

What grade would you give Rodgers for his 2025 season with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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