The Pittsburgh Steelers came close to winning the Super Bowl during the 2010 season, but ultimately fell short after running into quarterback Aaron Rodgers. At the time, Rodgers was a rising star at just 27 years old, leading the Green Bay Packers to the championship. Fast forward to 2026, and Rodgers is now finishing his NFL career in Pittsburgh. In the 2026 season, Rodgers will turn 43 years old. It is a full-circle storyline for Steelers fans, who watched him not only lead the team in the 2025 season, but also return now for a second year in 2026.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers delivered a solid campaign in 2025 but still left some unfinished business heading into this final stretch. Now, with Mike McCarthy back as head coach, the same coach he won a Super Bowl with in Green Bay, many are wondering what this final chapter will look like for the reunited duo in Pittsburgh.
Former Steelers 2009 first-round pick Ziggy Hood recently reflected on that 2010 season during an exclusive interview with Martín O’Donnell, recalling what stood out most about the team’s Super Bowl XLV loss to the Packers.
"You know what? Everybody was on point, everybody was clicking, and it seems like every time things were about to go bad, it took a turn for the good to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl," Hood said. "Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but not too many guys can say they did that. And you know, if (there’s) one thing I could redo, it’s that particular game, because it’d be a different type of world to have a ring and in a different kind of class to have that opportunity to play and win again."
The Steelers fell behind early in the game, trailing 21-3, but they fought back with typical Pittsburgh toughness in an effort to mount a comeback. Unfortunately, a late turnover sealed their fate, and the Steelers lost 31-25.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Many are left wondering how different the franchise might look today if that game had gone differently and Pittsburgh had won the Super Bowl that season. Hood made a simple remark, but a telling one that highlighted Rodgers’ greatness.
"The guy was athletic and he was smart, we caught him at the young age of Aaron Rodgers," Hood said. "If we would have caught him at the very crafty, little bit older vet, it definitely would have been a harder game to play. But just to go against somebody of his caliber, and then he was able to play for them towards the end of his career, that shows that guys like him can make these jumps and bring a team to win at any opportunity he plays at."
Rodgers was elite in that Super Bowl, earning MVP honors. He completed 24 of his 39 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns while not throwing any interceptions.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Seeking One Final Magical Moment
What Hood said does make some sense, but Rodgers has not played in a Super Bowl since. He's hoping for one more shot at it.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers looks on during a practice in the 2026 offseason.
Many are left wishing they could have seen more of Rodgers on the biggest stage, but maybe in his final ride in 2026 he can recreate some vintage moments with the Steelers.
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