The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a thrilling victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. The win completed the season sweep of the franchise's biggest rival while also clinching the AFC North and a spot in the playoffs. There is a lot of steam behind this Pittsburgh team as the group prepares to host the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs, and Pittsburgh will be looking to advance in the postseason for the first time since the 2016 season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a big reason for this team's success, and his play must continue to elevate those around him.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warming up before Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 season.
Rodgers was special during both of Pittsburgh's wins over Baltimore during the 2025 season. In Week 18, he turned it on in the fourth quarter as he led the team down the field on multiple scoring drives, and he also threw what would become the game-winning touchdown pass with just under a minute remaining in the contest. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has spoken before about how much he trusts Rodgers in those moments, and the quarterback shared with the media on Thursday that he knows those moments are a big reason he was brought to Pittsburgh.
"We're growing closer together, so when you get to those moments, you don't want to let the other guys down," Rodgers explained. "That's my mindset. In a moment like that, I know why I'm here and why they brought me here, and I got to come through in those moments because I don't want to let my teammates down, Mike T down, Arthur [Smith] down, Mr. Rooney, all those guys. That's a motivation I think if you harness it the right way."
The veteran quarterback wants to win and perform well for his teammates around him and the coaching staff, but his veteran presence also makes his teammates want to perform better. Having a four-time league MVP on the roster will elevate the play of those around him, and it will make teammates strive to win more for him. Rodgers is expected to perform well in those moments, but he makes everyone around him better just by being on the field.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
Rodgers knows he was brought in for his arm talent, wisdom, and experience. Those are usually the characteristics that are on display during those high pressure moments at the end of games. It is what he was brought to Pittsburgh for, even though he did not come through in a similar situation in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh had a chance to tie the game on its final drive of the contest, but the Steelers could not find a way to score down in the red zone. Rodgers had three straight incompletions, and it left a bad taste in his mouth throughout the week while preparing for the Ravens.
The veteran QB spoke about how he has rarely put together two bad games back-to-back throughout his career, and that was clear in the win against Baltimore on Sunday night. He came through in the clutch that time around, and Pittsburgh might need him to do so again during the postseason.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers points towards the camera during a home game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
Steelers Fans Could See Aaron Rodgers Back In Pittsburgh In 2026
Rodgers has played well overall throughout the 2025 season, and he has proven he has what it takes to win meaningful games. Pittsburgh captured its first division title since the 2020 season, which says a lot about what Rodgers has been able to do for this team. He has not made a decision on his future yet when it comes to retirement, but he is also scheduled to be a free agent during the 2026 offseason. Hopefully he would want to come back to Pittsburgh if he decides to keep playing.
What do you think about Rodgers' remarks? Let us know in the comments below!
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