The Pittsburgh Steelers will open the season on Sunday against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Aaron Rodgers will make his Steelers debut against his former team, while Jets quarterback Justin Fields will go up against his former team as well. Rodgers is entering his 21st season in the NFL as a hot start in Week 1 could prove to be crucial.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA while practicing at St. Vincent College.
Rodgers will enter 2025 with major expectations. The veteran is still just two seasons removed from a torn Achilles in 2023, but many believe that Pittsburgh could still thrive if Rodgers can prove to play like his former self. Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones was recently asked for his thoughts on Rodgers facing his former team to begin the season, as the young offensive lineman revealed that the veteran quarterback has a clear mind leading up to the matchup.
Jones mentioned that Rodgers hasn't paid much attention to the drama surrounding the game, while also talking about how important it is for the team to share the same mindset.
"Honestly, he hasn't really made a big deal out of it," Jones stated. "I think that's good for us and for him, just going in with a clear mind and not having an, 'I have to be Superman,' mentality."
Jones elaborated on what the Steelers' offense will need to do throughout all four quarters against New York.
"Just go in and stick to our game plan," Jones explained.
Rodgers spent a total of two seasons in New York and his time with the Jets was a failed experiment for all involved. The veteran tore his Achilles on the opening drive of the 2023 season, as Rodgers spent the remainder of his time with the Jets recovering from his injury and playing at a very underwhelming level in 2024. The former Jets QB is entering 2025 as the healthiest version of himself in years and could thrive should he truly be 100% recovered.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now with the Steelers, looks on before a home game during the 2024 season.
Jones and the offensive line for Pittsburgh will play a key role in Rodgers' Week 1 success as well. The veteran is still just a few seasons removed from his last MVP Award in 2021 and could prove to still be an elite quarterback if the offensive line provides sufficient protection throughout the year. Rodgers will have talented weapons to work with in DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith as well, as the veteran will have all the tools available to play at a high level once again in 2025.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Expected To Have A Bounce Back Year In 2025
The past two years have been highlighted by injuries and mediocrity for Rodgers. That may all change as soon as this Sunday, with Rodgers more than capable of playing at an elite level now that he is fully recovered. The veteran is a four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback that has thrived for the majority of his career, as Rodgers played a crucial role in the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl victory against the Steelers in 2011.
Gary A. Vasquez / Associated Press
The Pittsburgh Steelers face off against Aaron Rodgers (12) and the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV at A&T Stadium.
Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the history of football. The veteran will look to prove himself all year long, despite being 41 years old, as he may very well retire at the conclusion of this season. Rodgers will get his first chance to play at an elite level at MetLife Stadium against his former team this weekend when the Steelers kick off the season against the Jets.
Do you think Rodgers will look like the former version of himself in 2025? What are your predictions for the Steelers' Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets? Let us know what you think in the comments down below, or on our many social media pages!
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