Why Aaron Rodgers is grateful for the Steelers after Jets tenure

The Pittsburgh Steelers remained atop the AFC North standings and in control of their playoff destiny by earning an impressive 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins that improved Pittsburgh to 8-6 on Monday night. 

During the offseason, much was made about the fact that quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't officially join the Steelers until June. Following Monday's victory, the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer reflected on why he's grateful to be with the Steelers following his two-season stint with the New York Jets. 

Aaron Rodgers feels "real comfortable" competing in massive games

"In [2022 with the Green Packers], we were 4-8 at one point, and we won four straight and gave ourselves a chance," Rodgers explained, per Chris Ward of Steelers Now. "[In 2023 with the Jets], I played four plays. [In 2024 with the Jets], we weren’t very good. So, it’s been a while since I’ve been part of stuff like this. Nothing changes. I feel real comfortable in this environment."

Rodgers was referencing how he suffered a torn Achilles tendon four plays into his Jets tenure in September 2023. Meanwhile, the 2024 Jets ended December at 4-12 before Rodgers helped Gang Green defeat Miami in Week 18. 

More recently, Rodgers completed 23-of-27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns against a Dolphins team that was largely overmatched from the start of Monday's contest. Pittsburgh held a 28-3 lead over Miami in the fourth quarter before the visitors tallied a pair of touchdowns to make the final score look more respectable. 

Was Monday night a first for the 2025 Steelers? 

The Steelers and 7-7 Baltimore Ravens could battle for the division title up through a Week 18 matchup involving those teams that will be held at Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium. First, the Steelers will play at the 8-6 Detroit Lions this coming Sunday. That night, the Ravens will host the 11-3 New England Patriots. 

"We’ve had stretches where we’ve played good football," Rodgers added about the Steelers. "I think tonight was the first time we’ve had complementary football in all three phases, and that’s the standard, so we’re gonna try to meet that this week in Detroit." 

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers as seven-point road underdogs against the Lions.