Aaron Rodgers admitted to feeling emotional after the Pittsburgh Steelers bested the Baltimore Ravens by the skin of their teeth, 26-24, to win the AFC North and clinch a playoff spot on Sunday night.
Rodgers, 42, debated retirement last offseason, but ultimately decided to sign with the Steelers.
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Now that he’s heading back to the postseason for the first time since the 2021 season, it’s safe to say that he’s happy with his decision.
"It's pretty emotional, honestly," Rodgers said on after the game. "It's been a great year. I'm thankful for these guys and excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.”
Prior to playing in Pittsburgh, Rodgers spent the previous two seasons as a member of the New York Jets, which is like the equivalent of football purgatory. After that experience, Rodgers is grateful to be in his current situation.
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"It's been a grinding year,” Rodgers said. “And two years before that were tough, as well. It's been an absolute blessing to be here.... We found that little bit, that something special, which is belief tonight on the offensive side. And I'm proud of our guys for the way we responded in the fourth quarter."
Some other things went Pittsburgh’s way, including Tyler Loop’s final field goal attempt, but Rodgers was a huge part of the reason that the Steelers advanced to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Rodgers turned back the clock a bit against Baltimore and threw for 294 yards, which was a season high. He also threw the game-winning touchdown to Calvin Austin with under a minute remaining in the game. In a game that was as close as that one, the fact that Rodgers didn’t turn the ball over at all was also crucial.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Rodgers beyond the current campaign, as his contract expires after the season. But, he now has at least one more game remaining in a Steelers uniform. That game will come against the Houston Texans on Monday night, Jan. 12.
The good news for Rodgers and the Steelers is that after a two-game suspension, Pittsburgh will be getting top receiver D.K. Metcalf back for the playoff matchup with Houston.