Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Downplays Jets Revenge Matchup, 'It's 1 Game Out of 17'

Aaron Rodgers isn't making his first game with the Pittsburgh Steelers out to be more than it is.

The quarterback will face his former team, the New York Jets, to start the 2025 campaign, but said it won't be more than a regular-season game.

"Probably nowhere near where it might be made out," Rodgers said on Mad Dog Sports Radio. "A lot has changed over there — coaching staff wise, player wise. Obviously I have friendships over there, but it's one game out of 17. At 5 o'clock eastern on that Sunday, it's only going to be on to the next game. That's just the way it is."

Rodgers spent two seasons with the Jets, although he played just one game in 2023 due to a torn Achilles. His time in New York was mostly unremarkable on the field, and his final season with the Jets ended with him being released.

The 41-year-old threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season as the Jets finished 5-12, firing head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas before the end of the year.

"I have a lot of appreciation for the special moments," Rodgers said. "...I wish it would have gone differently up there for sure, but I put all I had into it."

Now, Rodgers will spend what could be his final season in the NFL with the Steelers. He said on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this summer that he's "pretty sure" he'll retire after this year.

If it is Rodgers' final campaign, he'll have quite the retirement tour. He'll face both of his former teams, the Jets and the Green Bay Packers, as well as his former NFC North rivals, since the Steelers will take on the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions.

While it's hard to say whether Pittsburgh has a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl this year, Rodgers will look to make the most of the 2025 season, starting off with a matchup against New York.