Aaron Rodgers opted not to air any grievances or take shots at the New York Jets after his first practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Speaking to Pittsburgh reporters for the first time, Rodgers was asked what organizational differences between the Steelers and Jets might lead to more success.
The future Hall of Famer replied, “I’m not going to take any shots at my previous organization, if that’s what you’re trying to get me to do.”
This may come as a surprise to Jets fans, as the last time Rodgers had the opportunity to criticize the Jets following his departure on “The Pat McAfee Show,” he took it and ran with it.
In taking the high road, Rodgers chose a different approach than his former Jets and Packers teammate, Davante Adams, who subtly knocked the Jets during a recent interview with Los Angeles media.
Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh as the clear-cut starter, set to take the reins over Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. He hopes to significantly improve on his stint in New York, where he managed only five wins over two seasons.
Rodgers joins a Pittsburgh team that has consistently stayed above .500 but struggled to make postseason noise. The Steelers haven’t posted a losing season since 2003, yet they’ve failed to advance past the opening round since 2017 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2016.
During the 2024 season with the Jets, Rodgers started all 17 games, completing 63% of his pass attempts for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
The nine-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to make his Pittsburgh debut on the road, against none other than the Aaron Glenn-led Jets.
New York will be the first team to see just how much Rodgers truly has left in the tank.