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Watch: Aaron Rodgers throws 4 TDs in Steelers debut

Originally posted on Steel City Underground | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 10:46 AM ET

Following every NFL game in 2025, Steel City Underground parses the best plays from the Pittsburgh Steelers to highlight for Steelers Nation fans to rewatch, complete with what led up to the big play(s).

There was a sense of nervousness and anticipation among the faithful members of Steelers Nation in regard to Aaron Rodgers‘ debut in the black and gold. With the veteran quarterback having taken zero preseason snaps, Week 1 was a reunion for Rodgers with the New York Jets, this season as their opponent.

Rodgers, working some magic despite more than a few disappointing situations he was placed in by the Steelers offensive line, found a way to keep his skill players on the same page to dial up four touchdown passes in a close 34-32 victory on the road. We look at each of those four touchdowns.

Rodgers’ first TD to Skowronek

In the opening offensive drive, down 3-0, the Steelers took ten plays to march 71 yards to the end zone.

On 2nd & 7 at the Jets 22, Rodgers lined up under center, rolled back to fake the handoff, and hit receiver Ben Skowronek for the catch and run for a score. The subsequent Chris Bowell PAT was good, giving the Steelers a 7-3 lead.

BEN SKOW TUDDY

: #PITvsNYJ on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/7EW0cGApVS

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 7, 2025

Rodgers to Smith

The Steelers were down, 19-10, in the waning moments of the second quarter. Another long drive (9 plays, 65 yards) had the Steelers knocking on the door once again.

On 2nd & Goal at the Jets 3, Rodgers took the snap from shotgun and pitched a pass to tight end Jonnu Smith in motion. Smith took the ball around the right end, fighting traffic, and stretched to hit the pylon for the score. It was Smith’s first touchdown with the Steelers.

FIRST TD IN THE BLACK & GOLD @Easymoney_81

: #PITvsNYJ on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/OsxcGowjgr

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 7, 2025

Rodgers to Warren

Although rushing came at a cost for Pittsburgh due to a heavy press by the Jets defensive front, in the third quarter Jaylen Warren got his opportunity to score. Down 17-26, Warren ran left for 3 yards to end the third quarter.

On 1st & Goal at the Jets 5, Rodgers took the snap under center and bootlegged to his right. Warren was wide open in the flat to make the catch and hop into the end zone for the touchdown.

Jumping in for six @Nunless2

: #PITvsNYJ on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/imbyUmeZEl

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 7, 2025

Rodgers to Austin

Due to a fortuitous special teams strip and fumble recovery (Kenneth Gainwell and Skowronek), the Steelers offense got the ball back in the fourth quarter down just 24-26. Just two plays later Pittsburgh scored again.

On 2nd & 6 at the Jets 18, Rodgers – once again under center – dropped back into a short bootleg left and ripped the ball along the right slot to hit a wide open Calvin Austin to once again give the Steelers the lead: 31-26.

WIDE OPEN @CalvinAustinIII

: #PITvsNYJ on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/6CU8YNCJZ5

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 7, 2025

Rodgers took the field two final times in the final quarter to see one drive end in a punt (and a Jets score) and the second drive set up the 60-yard, career-long Boswell field goal. The Steelers held onto a 34-32 lead thanks to a big Jalen Ramsey tackle on Garrett Wilson for an incompletion and turnover on downs.

Rodgers finished his Steelers debut with the following stats: