NFL Announces Punishment Decision For Aaron Rodgers Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:03 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers saw their playoff run end in the wild card round with a 30-6 loss to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans on Monday night. Rodgers struggled in what could have been his final game, completing 17-of-33 passes for 146 yards, a fumble lost and a pick-six, which came on his final attempt of the day.

With 11:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Texans extended their lead to double digits when defensive end Will Anderson Jr. brought down Rodgers in the backfield for a sack. But the former Green Bay Packers quarterback fumbled on the play, and Houston defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins recovered the ball and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.

However, before Anderson was able to knock the ball out of Rodgers' hands, he made clear contact with the back of the quarterback's helmet, which could have been ruled as a roughing the passer penalty. No flag was thrown, and the Texans went up 17-6.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Houston Texans.Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

While no penalty was called on the play, the NFL still reviewed Anderson's hit on Rodgers for a potential fine. Typically, the league can charge players up to $17,389 for a first roughing the passer offense, which can be increased to $23,186 upon a second violation during the same season. And sure enough, Anderson was not fined for his illegal hit on Rodgers.

While Anderson avoided discipline for his hit on Rodgers, the only player fined from the Steelers-Texans game was Pittsburgh wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who was assessed a $9,500 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct midway through the first quarter.

This would not have been the first time Anderson has been fined for roughing the passer. During the 2023 NFL season, the former Alabama star was fined $1,639 for a similar offense, only to be fined $16,391 a month later for a second roughing the passer violation. He was also charged $14,069 for excessive celebration in the 2024 regular season finale.

Aaron Rodgers takes a hard hit to the head as he fumbles the ball pic.twitter.com/JzEF6HzE6w
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 13, 2026

While Anderson and the Texans moved on to the divisional round, the Steelers await Rodgers' pending decision on whether he will retire or return for a 22nd season.

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

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