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Aaron Rodgers Fights Back Emotions After Steelers-Ravens

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 12:31 AM ET

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers have done it. After taking down the Baltimore Ravens in a tightly contested affair on Sunday night, the Steelers are headed to the AFC playoffs.

It was Rodgers who led the way for Pittsburgh. The four-time NFL MVP finished with 31-of-47 completed passes for 294 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions, to go along with 20 rushing yards on one carry.

Thanks in large part to another big-time performance by Rodgers, the Steelers escaped with a 26-24 victory. Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North title with this win as well as the No. 4 seed heading into the AFC playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

This is the first time Rodgers will be back in the postseason in four years. The Steelers are his third team in the last four seasons, and it’s only now that the four-time All-Pro QB will be back for the big dance.

Rodgers spoke to NBC Sports’ Melissa Stark shortly after the final whistle, and the Steelers star could not help but get caught up in his emotions.

“It's pretty emotional, honestly,” Rodgers said before taking a brief pause. “It's been a great year, so I'm thankful for these guys and excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.”

Aaron Rodgers is back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season pic.twitter.com/tjnzUMnYUM
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026

Rodgers and the Steelers get a week off to prepare for what’s ahead. They will return to action next Monday, Jan. 12, for a Wild Card Round matchup against the Houston Texans, who are the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

As the higher seed, the Steelers will host the Texans in their single-elimination showdown. Kickoff from Acrisure Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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