Aaron Rodgers Shares Clear Opinion of Shedeur Sanders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 3:37 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-6 going into a Week 17 game against the 3-12 Cleveland Browns. They're looking to sweep the season series after defeating the Browns 23-9 in Week 6.

The Steelers are also looking to wrap up the AFC North title for the first time since 2020. That could happen Saturday night if the Baltimore Ravens (7-8) lose or tie against the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) at Lambeau Field. If not, Pittsburgh can wrap it up with a win or tie Sunday in Cleveland.

The Steelers will be facing a different starting quarterback than in the first meeting against the Browns. In the first matchup, rookie Dillon Gabriel was the starter. This time it will be another rookie, fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders, making his sixth career start.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rodgers revealed his opinion of Sanders.

“I’ve followed Shedeur’s career… You know, it was a tough draft slide, obviously much longer wait than mine was,” Rodgers said. “But it seems like he's, you know, been patient and worked on his craft, and he’s been playing pretty good the last few weeks."

Shedeur vs Aaron. Playing Against Coach Prime, Now #12

"I've followed #12's career. I was pulling for him. It was a tough draft slide, but he's been patient, worked on his craft, and been playing pretty good" https://t.co/xMQfqqBOpf pic.twitter.com/0TgweTpqzQ
— JaKi (@JaKiTruth) December 26, 2025

Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was viewed as a potential first-round pick. However, he wouldn't be selected until pick No. 144 in the fifth round.

In six games, he's completed 92 of 167 passes for 1,103 yards, six touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 67.5 passer rating. Sanders has rushed for 123 yards and one touchdown. In his five starts, the Browns are 1-4.

Despite his numbers not being spectacular, he continues to catch the attention of both fans and players, such as Rodgers.

Sanders is not only looking for his second win as a starter, but his first against a divisional opponent. Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET at Huntington Bank Field, airing on CBS.

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

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