As the 2025 NFL season is getting set to kick off, eyes will be on the Week 1 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets. The reason why is no mystery. This is a game that will be filled with drama, considering it features Aaron Rodgers facing the team he was expected to lead to the promised land just one year ago. But in typical veteran fashion, Rodgers is downplaying the hype and shifting the focus forward.
Granted, he only actually played one year with the Jets, not counting the year he was hurt. Fans expect him to feel some type of way about the matchup, but in all seriousness, it’s not as important as many make it seem. Others are making this seem like a Green Bay return. That would make more logical sense since he spent the majority of his long tenured career there and accumulated the lump of all his accomplishments/accolades.
Rodgers Adds Fuel to Week 1 Matchup Against Former Team
“Just Another Game”
Speaking ahead of the game, Rodgers made it clear he’s not buying into the narrative that this is some sort of revenge game or emotional grudge match. Instead, he called it “just one game out of 17,” brushing aside any suggestion that there’s added weight to the matchup. He acknowledged that both teams have changed significantly since last year, from coaching staffs to rosters, and emphasized that when the game ends, the only thing that matters is preparing for the next opponent. The funny thing about this all is they essentially just swapped quarterbacks with Fields now the starter in New York and Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
Reflecting On His Time With Jets
Rodgers also took time to reflect on his brief and ultimately frustrating tenure with the Jets, a stint that started and ended, in the eyes of many fans, after just four snaps when he tore his Achilles tendon on the opening drive of the 2024 season. He was never the same after the injury, and his on-field performance showed that. Despite the abrupt and heartbreaking ending, Rodgers expressed nothing but appreciation for the organization and its fans. He reaffirmed the hopes he had coming into the situation two years ago and envisioned a completely different ending. It was unfortunate, but everything happened, and here we are now talking about Rodgers, the opponent.
In his own words, Rodgers said he embraced his time with the Jets and gave it everything he had. He recalled special moments, including his emotional run onto the field with an American flag on the anniversary of 9/11, calling it a snapshot he’ll never forget. But ultimately, he expressed regret that the season ended before it ever really began and was apologetic to the Jets fans who had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. Fans forget how determined he was to make that come back earlier than many expected in that 2024 season if the Jets did have any playoff hopes that late into the season.
All Focus Is With Steelers and 2025
Now a member of the Steelers, Rodgers is laser-focused on the season ahead. He emphasized that past achievements or past disappointments mean nothing on the tasks that lie ahead. He’s locked in on his performance, leadership, and consistency over the duration of the long season. Rodgers admitted he’s taking things one step at a time, including his future beyond this season. Being the age 41 now means each season is taken one at a time, enjoying everything in the moment. For now, his priority is leading the Steelers effectively and helping them compete week in and week out.
As far as Rodgers is concerned, there’s no need for extra emotion or dramatic storylines. He is too used to the dramatics and flair at this point in his career. All he wants is to play Week 1 against the Jets, not have the circus that may or may not come with it. Still, his measured tone, honest apology, and grounded mindset show a player who seems to have grown through both triumph and setback, looking to end his career the right way. Week 1 may not be personal for him, but it’s clear he hasn’t forgotten the hopes he carried into New York or the fans who shared them.
Main Image: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
