There are few players in the NFL who have drawn criticism quite like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has in recent years.
The biggest debate has been about whether or not Rodgers has anything left in the tank to take the Steelers to where they want to go, but on Sunday, he gave a clear answer.
Rodgers played better than any Steelers quarterback in recent memory. The future Hall of Famer completed 22-of-30 passes for 244 yards and found pay dirt four times in the 34-23 win over his former team, the New York Jets.
Pittsburgh needed every bit of Rodgers' talent with the defense struggling, and he no doubt delivered en route to dispelling the notion he's washed.
One person who was pumped up in the aftermath of Rodgers' impressive debut was WWE legend Ric Flair, who told Rodgers detractors to kiss his a**.
"To My Acquaintance Aaron Rodgers, You Kicked Their A** Today Because You Will Always Be The Baddest Man On The Planet Until You Retire!," he wrote on X.
"I Am Honored To Have Met You With Kevin Greene! Tell Everybody Else Who Doubted You To Kiss Ric Flair’s Ass! Aaron Rodgers = Bad Man! [Stephen A Smith], You Would Have To Agree! WOOOOO!"
If there's one man who understands performing at a high level at an advanced age, it's Flair, who was still wrestling north of 70.
While there's still a long way to go this season, Rodgers has, at least for the moment, forced his biggest detractors to eat crow.
Nobody expected to see vintage Rodgers in Week 1, but that's exactly what we got.
Making his showing more impressive, Rodgers didn't play in the preseason and was in his first game in a new offense with pass-catchers he had never played with before.
As a result, it's safe to say we might see Rodgers get even better in the weeks and months ahead, which is great news for the Steelers' hopes of finally grabbing a playoff win.
The next stop in the Rodgers revenge tour is Acrisure Stadium, where the Steelers will host the 0-1 Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.
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