The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers has given the fan base a real reason for optimism so far in the 2025 season. Rodgers has completed 68.5% of his passes for 786 yards and eight touchdowns against just three interceptions. His steady play has helped the Steelers reach a 3-1 record coming out of the bye week, providing hope that the team can compete at a high level this season.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers meets with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin after a game in Pittsburgh.
Now, Rodgers is gearing up for his first taste of AFC North division play. Known for his meticulous preparation and deep understanding of the game, Rodgers has a profound respect for the league’s history. That respect has him doing extra research ahead of the matchup, making sure he’s ready for the challenges that come with facing hated rivals.
Ahead of his first Steelers-Browns game, Aaron Rodgers said he went to Raven-turned-Steeler Patrick Queen to ask about AFC North rivalries.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 8, 2025
Rodgers then translated the AFC North rivalries, as he now understands them, into his experience in the NFC North⬇️ pic.twitter.com/RJLk2X5KK2
Speaking with Steelers insider Brooke Pryor on Wednesday, Rodgers shared his thoughts on the intensity of the AFC North rivalry and what it means to him personally. He emphasized that every division game is an opportunity to prove himself and lead the Steelers to victories that could define the season. Fans are encouraged by his commitment, experience, and the poise he continues to bring to the field.
"I was asking PQ [Patrick Queen] about it the other day because he has been on both sides of it," Rodgers said while speaking to the Pittsburgh media on Wednesday. "In my own time in the North and the NFC, I think it was always a great rivalry with Chicago. Minnesota, the states don’t like each other, so there was more blood between the fans, and uh, Detroit, there wasn’t that same type of energy. We wanted to beat them, but there wasn’t like that hatred."
Rodgers also recalled some of the intense rivalries he experienced for the majority of his legendary NFL career with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. Drawing on that experience, he’s taking extra steps to prepare for the AFC North, including reaching out to Patrick Queen, who joined the Steelers from a division rival ahead of the 2024 season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks at his play sheet during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
By learning from teammates who have firsthand knowledge of the division, Rodgers is ensuring he has every advantage heading into the matchup.
"It seems like with this, the rivalry is with the Browns and the hatred goes both ways between the Steelers-Bengals and Steelers-Ravens," Rodgers said.
It’s clear that Rodgers is genuinely excited for his first taste of divisional football with the Steelers. He has done an excellent job leading the team through the 2025 season so far. Now, with AFC North play on the horizon, it’s a chance for Rodgers to prove to the NFL world that he still has his vintage division-game magic.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Gives Team A Real Chance In 2025
Many Steelers fans are cautiously optimistic about the team’s 3-1 start, a sentiment shaped by the disappointing finish to the 2024 season. Last year, the Steelers started hot but went on an embarrassing losing streak that derailed their playoff hopes.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers rolls out with the football while Head Coach Mike Tomlin watches on during training camp.
Now, with Rodgers leading the team, there is hope that his steady leadership and veteran quarterback play can carry the Steelers through the tough stretches of the schedule. It all begins with AFC North play, and Rodgers appears ready to guide his team with the poise and experience that has defined his legendary career.
What do you expect to see out of Aaron Rodgers' stat line in his first AFC North contest? 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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