Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Gets Very Honest About Joe Flacco's Age

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be heading on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. A couple of weeks ago, many expected to see Jake Browning starting for the Bengals as he was filling in for Joe Burrow, who is out for an extended period of time. However, the Bengals made a surprising move, trading with the Cleveland Browns to land 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco. The trade sent shockwaves through the AFC North and left many scratching their heads.

The move seriously confused and frustrated Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who did not hold back in expressing his displeasure. Tomlin even took shots at Browns General Manager Andrew Berry for making a trade within the division, something he viewed as controversial. The sudden arrival of Flacco adds a new wrinkle to an already intriguing matchup, pitting two veteran quarterbacks against each other in a rare over-40 showdown.

The Steelers, of course, have a 41-year-old quarterback of their own in Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers spoke to several members of the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday about the unusual scenario of two 40+ year-old quarterbacks going head-to-head. He shared his perspective on the physical and mental preparation required to continue playing at such a high level while also reflecting on what it means for the future of quarterback longevity in the NFL.

"I mean, it’s possible," Rodgers told several members of the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday. "I think that obviously there’s a lot more conversation and money spent by guys on their bodies in the offseason over the years, as I have seen."

Many Steelers fans have been very familiar with Flacco from his 11 years as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. Flacco also lit up Pittsburgh earlier in the 2024 NFL season when he came in for an injured Anthony Richardson. 

Now the Steelers will be looking to take down Flacco in 2025. Tomlin is well aware of what Flacco is capable of, and even at this stage in his career, he isn’t thrilled about having to face him in the division.

"There is one key component and that is consistency," Rodgers said. "In order to keep playing at an advanced age, you have to have some level of consistency to give you the opportunities and obviously Joe has done it and I have done it."

The Steelers sit at 4-1 in the 2025 season and are currently in first place in the AFC North, with injuries impacting several key teams in the division. The Steelers have a real chance to put a stranglehold on the division. To do that, they’ll need to get a win on the road on Thursday Night Football.

Steelers' Defense Looking To Tee Off On Joe Flacco

At this stage in his career, Flacco can be almost like a statue back there. The Bengals traded for him out of desperation, hoping to stay alive in the season. He played in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, completing 64.4% of his passes for 219 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. 

The Steelers’ defense is starting to fire on all cylinders and will be looking to tee off on Flacco. If they can get to him, it could be a long day for the Bengals’ offense. But if he has time in the pocket, this Steelers defense could be in trouble with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase roaming the field.

Do you think Aaron Rodgers will come back for the 2026 season? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation