While playing against his former teams, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers had pointed words for his former team. Players use words and actions as motivation.
Whether real or contrived, superstar athletes will take the opportunity to find a scintilla of information and transform that into fuel. However, when the impetus for revenge is rather loud and public, the player does not need to look as far to find a source to derive energy.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Chides Jets in Postgame Quotes
In the offseason, the Jets flew Rodgers east to tell him they were moving in another direction. In what could’ve been a phone call, Rodgers apparently harbored some lasting resentment about how the front office handled his departure. After a 34-32 victory, Rodgers took to the podium and did not mince words.
It read, “Aaron Rodgers asked about beating Aaron Glenn after the way their exit interview went: ‘I was happy to beat everyone associated with the #Jets.’”
Aaron Rodgers asked about beating Aaron Glenn after the way their exit interview went: “I was happy to beat everyone associated with the #Jets.” pic.twitter.com/ukZpibWrAh
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 7, 2025
The ten-time Pro Bowler’s utterance of that phrase resonated on social media, and fans backed his thought process in their replies. “Let’s call it how it is…Rodgers absolutely schooled Aaron Glenn today.”
Let’s call it how it is…Rodgers absolutely schooled Aaron Glenn today
— MattyiceNY (@mattyiceNY) September 7, 2025
In the offseason, Aaron Glenn, the new Jets head coach, discussed culture change. While he did not mention Rodgers specifically, many believed you could draw a line from his comments to their former quarterback. Today, Rodgers threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns, leaving the field at MetLife Stadium a winner.
“Aaron Rodgers is once again responsible for another Jets loss. 😆”
Aaron Rodgers once again responsible for another Jets loss. 😆
— Rich Wittebort (@RichWittebort) September 7, 2025
After losing 12 games a year ago, many have not forgotten how last season transpired and what they feel like Rodgers left behind. He is on the opposing sidelines, still handing New York losses at home.
“If you are a Jets fan today, you are so pissed. Aaron Rodgers played better today for the Steelers than he ever did those 2 years in New York and did so for way less money.”
If you are a Jets fan today you are so pissed. Aaron Rodgers played better today for the Steelers than he ever did those 2 years in New York and did so for way less money https://t.co/2GiXYinNF7
— NsaneLaneTrain v420 #Go Blue #Go Lions (@nsanelanetrain2) September 7, 2025
This year, which Rodgers proclaims is his last NFL campaign, the Steelers will pay him $13.6 million. Spotrac said the Jets paid him $75 million over his two-year stay. Pittsburgh won and did not burden their cap in this fan’s eyes.
“Aaron Rodgers beating the Jets and hanging 34 points is very funny.”
Aaron Rodgers beating the jets and hanging 34 points is very funny
— D’ArceWing Duck (@scammyjenkins) September 7, 2025
For the last couple of seasons, defense has remained the source of the Jets’ pride. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner were touted by many as the team’s cornerstones in its renaissance. Today, that defense saw Pittsburgh march up and down the field with little resistance.
Some feel as though the Jets erred in allowing Rodgers to leave. “Jets with the biggest fumble of the offseason by letting Aaron Rodgers go #jets”
Jets with the biggest fumble of the offseason by letting Aaron Rodgers go #jets
— El Bengazi, CPA (@realelbengazi) September 7, 2025
Rodgers won the day and started his final year with a victory over a team he feels wronged him. With that in his back pocket, how does he take this victory and build upon it?
