The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth $13.65 million. Not only will he be expected to lead the team to a playoff victory, but he will also be seen as a mentor for all the young players. Rookie Will Howard will have a lot to learn, and so will the chorus of young weapons and linemen surrounding the 41-year-old. There are also plenty of games that fans have circled on their calendars because of Rodgers, but there is one player in particular who can't wait to play against him.
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Former Green Bay Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
Jason Wilde of Wilde and Tausche managed to catch up with Green Bay Packers' former first-round pick Jordan Love, and he spoke about how excited he was to play against Rodgers, as well as one other thing he wanted.
"It's going to be fun, it's going to be awesome," Love said. "I'm excited for him. I can't wait to be on different sides, meeting up. I know we'll talk pregame, things like that. Hopefully, we can exchange jerseys after."
Love still clearly has a lot of respect for Rodgers, going back to when he was drafted to eventually replace him. He also spoke glowingly about how the veteran treated him when they were teammates. Clearly, he doesn't see the upcoming Packers @ Steelers matchup as a revenge game, but one where he can show off his skills now to his former mentor and maybe catch up with him on what's been going on.
Evan Siegle / Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love lines up for a snap against the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive front during a regualr season game in the 2023 season.
This contest will be on Sunday Night Football in Week 8 to finish off the month of October. The whole nation will get to see Rodgers meet up against his replacement on primetime. The storylines surrounding both quarterbacks will bring plenty of hype for the game, but the mutual respect between the teams and starting quarterbacks will make it less of a bloodbath and more of a fun experience.
Win or lose, Love appears to just be happy to reunite with Rodgers for a game. If the former MVP has respect for him like he says he does, then the young buck will likely get his wish and the two will take a picture with the other one's jersey. This will be a game that Love will cherish forever and never forget.
Other Steelers Games Affected By Rodgers' Signing
Right off the bat, the Steelers will face off against Rodgers' most recent team, the New York Jets. Both him and his former squad will be looking for revenge, as he caused a lot of chaos in East Rutherford. The Jets have a new general manager, new head coach, and new quarterback, with the latter previously playing for the Steelers and possibly wanting his own vengeance.
Adam Hunger / AP Photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown during a home game in the 2024 NFL season.
He will also play all four teams from the NFC North, where he dominated for 15 seasons. One of those teams is the Chicago Bears, who are looking to no longer be owned by Rodgers. That is definitely a game that everyone in Chicago is circling on their calendars: take advantage of a quarterback who is no longer at peak MVP form with their young squad and new head coach.
Rodgers will also go against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland in Week 4. Steelers vs Packers was the expected matchup there, but Pittsburgh's executives reportedly did not want that outcome, and they preferred to make that a regular home game where they could pack the stands at Acrisure Stadium. Now, everyone can watch the jersey exchange in Pittsburgh while Ireland gets to see Rodgers play against a new quarterback.
What do you think about Love's excitement for playing against Rodgers, as well as the hostility of other key games for the 41-year-old in 2025? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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