Former Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson Has Direct Message For Aaron Rodgers: "I Like Jordan [Love] Better"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent the first half of the 2026 season proving they can win with Aaron Rodgers under center. All is going well in the Steel City during the bye. That was until a former player made some eye-opening comments. Running back Kaleb Johnson, whom Pittsburgh traded to the Green Bay Packers before the season, delivered a telling comparison after Sunday's victory over the New England Patriots. 

Johnson was supposed to become an important part of Pittsburgh's future when the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, his rookie season never gained traction, and the organization moved him to Green Bay in August for a 2028 sixth-round pick. The decision gave Johnson a fresh start while Pittsburgh moved forward with a different backfield.

Green Bay defeated New England 45-27 on Sunday, with Johnson contributing 68 rushing yards on 14 carries, while he also scored his first NFL touchdown. Jordan Love also delivered a remarkable performance, throwing for 372 yards and three scores. Afterward, The Athletic's Matt Schneidman shared Johnson's assessment of the two quarterbacks he has worked alongside in the NFL. It was short, direct and certain to attract attention in Pittsburgh.

"I've had two good quarterbacks, Aaron and him, but I like Jordan better," Johnson said, according to Schneidman.

The comparison is notable because Rodgers isn't just another quarterback on Johnson's résumé. The four-time NFL MVP spent 18 seasons with Green Bay before eventually joining Pittsburgh, while Love became the Packers' long-term answer at the position. His preference for Love therefore carries an extra layer of intrigue.

Still, there is an important distinction between preferring one teammate and criticizing another. Johnson explicitly described both Rodgers and Love as good quarterbacks. He didn't accuse Rodgers of mistreating him, question his ability or suggest that Pittsburgh's offense was poorly run.

That nuance matters because Johnson's experience with the Steelers was difficult long before he left town. Pittsburgh used the No. 83 overall pick on him, hoping his productive college career would translate into a meaningful NFL role. 

Instead, he finished his rookie season with 69 yards on 28 carries and struggled to establish himself in the rotation. A costly kickoff mistake against Seattle also contributed to a frustrating first year.

When the Packers acquired him, Johnson publicly expressed appreciation for Pittsburgh rather than resentment. Speaking to the Packers' official website in September, he acknowledged the opportunity the Steelers had given him while embracing his new destination. His comments at the time suggested he was ready to move forward.

"I give all respect to the Steelers for giving me a chance and drafting me. But it's 'Go Pack Go' now," Johnson said.

Those earlier remarks provide useful context for Sunday's quarterback comparison. Johnson has not publicly framed his departure as a personal dispute with Rodgers or Pittsburgh's decision-makers. He appears more focused on making the most of a second opportunity, and Sunday's production offered a glimpse of what he can contribute when given carries.

Steelers Could See Johnson's Fresh Start Spark A Much Bigger Conversation

There is another reason this story could resonate with Steelers fans. Pittsburgh spent a third-round selection on Johnson, then received a future sixth-rounder to move on from him after one season. If he develops into a dependable contributor in Green Bay, that exchange will naturally receive more scrutiny.

Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur praised Johnson's contribution after the win, noting that the running back delivered explosive plays and his first touchdown. The opportunity expanded after Josh Jacobs exited with a hand injury, and Johnson responded when his number was called.

For Johnson, the comments were likely nothing more than an attempt to show support for his current quarterback. It wasn't necessarily a shot at Rodgers, but publicly declaring that he likes Love better wasn't exactly necessary, either. Fans are free to interpret his remarks however they want, but Rodgers has accomplished enough in this league to deserve a little more respect from a young player still trying to establish himself in the NFL.

Do you think Johnson's comments about Rodgers and Love are harmless, or should Steelers fans take them personally? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.

#SteelerNation