NFL Executive Sends Urgent Warning About Steelers' Aaron Rodgers To Rest Of AFC Playoff Field

The Pittsburgh Steelers had the entire football world curious when they decided to go all in on their pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Many questions were raised about what he had left at 41 years old, now 42, especially considering he only won five games with the New York Jets in the 2024 season. Critics wondered if the four-time MVP could still perform at a high level, but the Steelers were confident that Rodgers could still be a game-changer.

It turns out Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was correct in his decision to bring Rodgers in. The veteran signal-caller led Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record during the 2025 campaign and captured the AFC North title, exceeding expectations from analysts and fans alike. Rodgers’ leadership, experience, and ability to make clutch plays in critical moments proved invaluable, turning Pittsburgh into one of the most interesting teams in the conference heading into the playoffs.

Now, the Steelers are set to host a home playoff game on Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans. In an article for The Athletic on Sunday, one NFL executive revealed that no one should want to see Rodgers in playoff form, even at 42 years old. 

The executive emphasized that Rodgers’ combination of experience, precision, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, signaling that the Steelers could be a serious threat as they look to make a deep postseason run.

""(Rodgers) in the playoffs is always scary, and it started (against Baltimore) — just the look in his eyes," an executive said."

The reason this sentiment may not sound as scary as the NFL executive believes is the simple fact that the Texans boast a lethal defense led by the pass-rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. After a slow start in the 2025 season, the Texans dominated down the stretch, winning nine straight games to close out the year. 

In the NFL, that is an extraordinarily impressive accomplishment and one that should put the Steelers’ offensive line and the entire team on high alert as they prepare to host Houston in the Wild Card Round. NFL analyst Jeff Howe explained why he doesn’t fully agree with what the NFL executive told him.

"The Texans are surging with a league-best nine-game winning streak, and they finished second to the Seahawks (by three points) in points allowed," Howe wrote. "Their 47 sacks were tied with the Seahawks and Rams for the seventh most, and their 29 takeaways ranked third. Coach DeMeco Ryans’ imprint on the defense has been phenomenal, and the Texans will need that group to serve as the backbone to advance."

It’s no secret the 2025 Texans defense is one of the best in the NFL. Playing on the road in Pittsburgh gives the Steelers a little optimism, but they enter this game as home underdogs for a reason. Despite being the higher seed, the Texans are getting a lot of attention as a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.

Steelers Veteran QB Has That 'Vintage Rodgers' Look In His Eyes

One NFL executive, however, believes Rodgers still has that vintage Rodgers look in his eyes. He noticed it in the critical must-win game against the Baltimore Ravens that secured the Steelers’ an AFC North title. Rodgers can get the ball out quickly, but the question remains whether his receivers will be open and have enough separation to overcome Houston’s defensive backs.

The Texans’ pass rush will also be a major factor, and it won’t be easy for Pittsburgh to count on Rodgers to navigate it all. Still, Rodgers’ football IQ gives the Steelers a real chance to get past Houston in the Wild Card Round. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen. However, getting star wide receiver DK Metcalf back from his suspension is a big boost.

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