Steelers Fans Hear Aaron Rodgers Talk About Very Painful Moment For Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base hates to remember what transpired in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers were facing off against the Aaron Rodgers–led Packers on the biggest stage, and it was a nightmare start. Green Bay jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, putting Pittsburgh in an early hole. Still, the Steelers refused to fold, clawing their way back into the game with grit and determination. Every time Pittsburgh made a push, Rodgers answered with his precision passing, keeping the Packers in control.

By the fourth quarter, the Steelers had momentum on their side and a chance to take the lead. Then came one of the most heartbreaking moments in team history: Rashard Mendenhall’s costly fumble. That turnover killed Pittsburgh’s rally and swung the game back to Green Bay. Despite Ben Roethlisberger’s late efforts, Rodgers and the Packers closed the door, securing a 31-25 victory that left the Steelers and their fans devastated. What was a crowning achievement for Rodgers became one of the most painful defeats in recent franchise memory.

On Friday, while in Dublin, Ireland for the Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers reflected on that game. For Steeler Nation, the memory still stings, but for Rodgers, it remains a defining moment of his Hall of Fame career. The irony now is impossible to ignore: the quarterback who once shattered Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl dreams is now wearing black and gold. His reflection on that night highlights not only the pain Steelers fans felt but also the full-circle twist of seeing Rodgers prepare to lead their team more than a decade later.

"You know that was a long time ago," Rodgers said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan Friday morning. "That was 14 years ago, so the only person kind of directly impacting the game from that Super Bowl is Mike Tomlin. There's not a lot of people here who have any thankfully, any memory of that or any bitterness towards myself about that."

As for Steelers fans, they can’t forget that painful night. If it weren’t for the Rodgers-led Packers, Pittsburgh would be sitting with seven Super Bowl trophies instead of six. That loss still lingers as one of the biggest missed opportunities in franchise history. For Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, his lone Super Bowl victory came in Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals, cementing his place in team history. His Super Bowl record as a head coach stands at 1-1 all time. 

Obviously, being 2-0 in Super Bowls would change the current outlook for Tomlin. Though it wouldn't change the fact he hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. That's something Tomlin is hopeful to be able to change with Rodgers by his side for 2025.

Aaron Rodgers Has A Rare Chance To Make Up For Stealing Super Bowl XLV From The Steelers

Now Rodgers has the unique opportunity to make up for taking that Super Bowl from the Steelers. In that game, he completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns, delivering a masterclass performance that would define his future Hall of Fame career.

At 41 years old, Rodgers is now playing for the Steelers. He currently has Pittsburgh sitting at 2-1 as they head into Week 4, and his focus is clear: finishing his career with a Super Bowl. However, achieving that goal won’t be easy, even for one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time.

What do you believe the Steelers' chances are of winning the Super Bowl in the 2025 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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