The Pittsburgh Steelers scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to complete a come-from-behind win over the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season. Many different Steelers made big-time plays on offense, defense, and special teams to help lead Pittsburgh to the exciting win. One of those players who had a major impact for the Steelers was wide receiver Ben Skowronek, and his quarterback had nothing but good things to say about him following Sunday's win.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Skowronek strolls into the endzone for his first touchdown as a member of the Steelers in Week 1 of the 2025 Regular Season.
It had been 624 days since the Steelers scored an opening-drive touchdown. The Steelers marched on a 10-play, 71-yard drive capped off by a 23-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Skowronek, giving the Steelers a 7-3 lead. It was Skowronek's only catch of the game, but it proved to be a big one, not only because it was a touchdown, but the Steelers went on to win 34-32.
In his postgame press conference following Sunday's win, Rodgers was asked about his chemistry with not only Skowronek, but all of the Steelers wide receivers.
"Ben [Skowronek] was annoying the heck out of me all of camp," Rodgers said.
Rodgers claims that Slowronek tried to convince him to go to a local custard spot nearly every day, looking to just chat with the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, and looking to build chemistry before the season.
When you think of Steelers wide receivers, Skowronek isn't the first name that comes to mind. Skowronek was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 7th round in 2021 out of Notre Dame, he spent three years with the Rams before coming to the Steelers. He caught only five passes in 2024, and was mainly a special teams player in his first year in Pittsburgh.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Skowronek and Aaron Rodgers celebrate following a touchdown pass against the New York Jets.
Everyone knew DK Metcalf would be the number one option for the Steelers' offense coming into this season, but many others were wondering who else would help out in the passing game. Calvin Austin III showed improvement in 2024, and Steelers fans have high hopes for Roman Wilson, but Skowronek has a chance to be an under-the-radar weapon for Pittsburgh.
He might not be the highest-profile name in the wide receiver room, but Rodgers appreciates what Skowronek does for the team.
"Ben [Skowronek] is a glue guy for our team, he does the dirty work," Rodgers said.
Not only did Skowronek score a receiving touchdown in Sunday's win, be he also recovered a key fumble recovery in the fourth quarter, helping the Steelers retake the lead and eventually complete the 2nd half comeback.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Skowronek makes a tackle on special teams during the Steelers 34-32 win over the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Skowronek does what he is asked to do, just like he did on his touchdown reception in the first quarter of Sunday's win. Skowronek was lined up in the slot, and ran a simple slant route to find himself wide open. Rodgers delivered a perfect throw on the money and Skowronek did the rest, strolling into the endzone nearly untouched.
"I couldn't believe coming off that fake he was wide open, I was throwing the ball thinking 'Man, Ben's gonna score the first touchdown,'" said Rodgers.
According to ESPN Bet, the odds for Skowronek to score the first touchdown of the game were +7500. Out of all the big names on the Steelers' offense, nobody expected Skowronek to find the end zone first. That touchdown sparked a 34-point performance from the Steelers offense, just the fifth time that the Steelers have scored 34 points since 2021.
Steelers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Says He Is Proud Of Wideout Ben Skowronek
Rodgers had quite the debut in his first game as a Steeler. The 41-year old went 22-for-30 and had 244 passing yards along with four touchdown passes. It is the first time a Steelers quarterback thew for four touchdowns in a game since Ben Roethlisberger did in the 2021 Wild Card Round against the Cleveland Browns. The first of those four touchdown passes went to Skowronek, and Rodgers stated how proud he was of him for his first touchdown catch as a Steeler.
"I really like Ben, and I'm really proud of the play he made today."
Fans will see how much of an impact that Skowronek continues to have on the Steelers offense. One thing is for certain: if Skowronek gets open, Rodgers will find him.
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