Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent the previous two seasons with the New York Jets. Things did not exactly go well during his time in New York, and the team decided to part ways with him this offseason. Now, it appears, Rodgers is getting the last laugh.
Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, becoming the team’s new starting quarterback after the departures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who each started games for the team last year.
Coincidentally, the Steelers opened their season on the road against the Jets, giving Rodgers a chance at revenge against his former team. He made the most of it on the field, and he let everyone know how much he enjoyed it after the game.
Two Disappointing Seasons With The Jets
When Rodgers requested a trade to the New York Jets ahead of the 2023 NFL season, both he and the team had high hopes for what they would be able to accomplish together. However, none of that materialized.
Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during his first drive of the 2023 season. With Rodgers sidelined, the Jets went just 7-10, missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season.
After recovering from his injury, Rodgers returned to the lineup the following season, but the results were even worse. The Jets finished the season with a 5-12 record, missing the playoffs for a 14th consecutive season.
After the two disappointing seasons with the Jets, the team informed Rodgers in February that they would be going in a different direction at quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers Beats Jets, Sends a Message
In the weeks leading up to the season, Rodgers did not say much about facing his former team to open the season. However, after leading the Steelers to victory against the Jets on Sunday afternoon, he sure had a lot to say.
Rodgers has a strong showing against his former team, completing 22 of 30 passing attempts for 244 yards and four touchdowns while tossing no interceptions to lead the Steelers to a 34-32 road victory.
After the game, he did not hold back when asked about his satisfaction after beating his former team.
“There were probably people in the organization that didn’t think I could play anymore, so it was nice to remind those people that I still can,” Rodgers said after the game.
Specifically asked about what it means to beat the new Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn, Rodgers had an even more blunt message.
“I was happy to beat everybody associated with the Jets,” Rodgers said.
It will certainly be interesting to see how Rodgers performs throughout the rest of the season, but it’s clear that he especially enjoyed this win.
