High expectations are nothing new to Aaron Rodgers, but he’s already a marked man in the AFC North as he gets ready for what may be his last NFL season. In response to questions over Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, Myles Garrett, one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, didn’t hold back from stating his intentions.
Aaron Donald Tells Myles Garrett Exactly How To Sack Aaron Rodgers
“I think it’s a good opportunity to put him in the graveyard,” Garrett said, delivering one of the boldest offseason quotes yet.
That quote quickly reverberated across the NFL landscape and caught the attention of another defensive legend: Aaron Donald.
Donald, widely considered one of the best defenders of his generation and a future Hall of Famer, offered Garrett some pointed advice on how to make that promise a reality.
“Win your 1-on-1s and get to him,” Donald said. “Don’t let him get the ball out too fast, ’cause you know, he’s an older guy, but he can move, a little shifty. When you get to him, get to him and just get him down to the ground before he gets the ball out.”
Aaron Donald shares the key for Myles Garrett to sack Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/JYc9YRdKfH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 7, 2025
That’s knowledge from an expert. Donald has a long history of upsetting top quarterbacks, like when he sacked Rodgers twice in one game in 2018. His advice to Garrett goes beyond simple words of support; it’s a realistic road map for defeating one of the league’s smartest signal-callers.
Garrett Faces Career-Defining Challenge vs. Rodgers As He Eyes Redemption
The 2025 season looks to be a personal tour for Garrett, who is starting his ninth NFL season. Even though Cleveland finished 3-14 in 2024, the Browns’ defensive end is still formidable after a 14-sack Pro Bowl season. Garrett is accustomed to taking down quarterbacks, having recorded 200 quarterback hits and 102.5 career sacks. However, Rodgers still poses a special challenge at 41.
With incentives, Rodgers’ one-year contract with the Steelers could increase to $19.5 million. After suffering an Achilles tear, he showed some indications of rust during his 2024 season with the Jets. Pittsburgh, however, is wagering that the four-time MVP still has the stamina to propel a revamped offense, now anchored by new players like DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith, to pave the way.
Rodgers joins Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson in a quarterback competition in the AFC North, which may be the most difficult division in football. As Donald underlined, it all boils down to execution, though.
If Garrett takes Donald’s advice to heart, we could be in for a fierce showdown when the Browns and Steelers collide, possibly one last great chapter in Rodgers’ legendary career.
