Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) prepares to throw the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers Makes NFL History in Steelers Debut

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jack Markowski | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Aaron Rodgers had quite a debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they won a thrilling 34-32 game over his former team, the New York Jets.

With the victory, Rodgers became the first quarterback in NFL history to defeat the team he played for the season prior in a Week 1 matchup the following year, making his revenge game all the more sweet.

Though the 41-year-old played in just 18 contests for Gang Green, he admitted that beating them to kick off his stint in Pittsburgh felt rather rewarding.

"I was happy to beat everyone associated with the Jets," Rodgers said.

He was expected to usher in a new era of Jets football upon landing there via trade from the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2023 campaign, but a torn Achilles on his first drive with the team put an end to his first year with them before it ever really began.

Rodgers returned to New York for the 2024 season and played relatively well, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but the team flamed out and went 5-12 while also firing head coach Robert Saleh in October.

The Jets subsequently brought in a new regime spearheaded by head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey this offseason, who collectively agreed to release Rodgers as he was entering the final year of his contract.

Rodgers quickly became the No. 1 target for the Steelers amidst their vacancy behind center, and he eventually inked a one-year deal with the franchise in June.

Not only did he immediately get an opportunity to prove New York's braintrust wrong in Week 1, but he captured the win while going 22-for-30 and racking up 244 yards. Furthermore, his four passing touchdowns marked the first time a Pittsburgh signal caller accomplished that feat in the regular season since Ben Roethlisberger did so in 2020.

Rodgers looked sharp all day long, completing multiple throws on the move while operating at a high level from the pocket despite facing constant pressure from the Jets' defensive front.

If the future Hall of Famer can keep up the level of play he showcased in Week 1, the Steelers will be in good hands.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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