Aaron Rodgers hasn’t even taken the field in the 2025 NFL season yet, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are already setting clear boundaries when it comes to facing him. As excitement builds for Rodgers’ first full season with the New York Jets, the Steelers are making sure they don’t get swept away by the hype surrounding the veteran quarterback’s return. The Jets are scheduled to take on the Steelers later this year, and Pittsburgh’s defense is already preparing to make a strong statement.
Rodgers, who missed most of the 2023 season due to an Achilles injury, is expected to come back with something to prove. He’s one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league, and anytime he’s on the field, he’s a threat. But the Steelers have no plans to roll out the red carpet. In fact, they’ve made it very clear that they’re ready to challenge him from the first snap.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin recently told reporters that the team isn’t going to let past accomplishments distract them. “We respect Aaron’s career, but we’re not here for a tribute tour,” Austin said. “We’re focused on playing our game. He’s still got talent, but this is football — not a legacy contest.”
This mindset is consistent with how Pittsburgh’s defense has always operated. Known for its aggressive, physical playstyle, the Steelers’ defense thrives on pressure and disruption. Players like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward are known for giving even the best quarterbacks a hard time. Against someone like Rodgers, who is coming back from a serious injury and trying to build chemistry with a relatively new team, Pittsburgh sees an opportunity to capitalize.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has been vocal about wanting to prove the doubters wrong this season. His move to the Jets was supposed to bring new life to the team, but his debut lasted only four plays before the injury. Now, with the spotlight back on him, he’s working hard in training camp and showing signs that he’s still got it. Reports out of the Jets’ facility suggest that Rodgers has regained his arm strength and is making strong throws in practice. He’s also taken on a leadership role, mentoring younger players and helping them adapt to the playbook.
But Pittsburgh isn’t buying into the comeback story just yet. They’re approaching this matchup like they would any other high-pressure game, with a strategy focused on disrupting Rodgers’ rhythm early. According to Austin, the key to slowing Rodgers down is making him uncomfortable in the pocket. That means collapsing the offensive line, shutting down his passing lanes, and forcing him into quick decisions.
One of the biggest questions going into this game will be whether Rodgers can handle that level of defensive pressure. At 41, and after such a major injury, there are still doubts about how mobile he’ll be and whether he can extend plays like he used to. The Steelers will likely test that early and often.
Off the field, this game is already drawing major media attention. It’s not just a regular-season matchup — it’s a clash of two different football philosophies. On one side, you’ve got the flashy comeback of a former MVP looking to prove he still belongs at the top. On the other, a team that’s built on grit, discipline, and a no-nonsense approach to the game.
For fans, this adds another layer of excitement to what’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about games of the season. But for the Steelers, it’s business as usual. They’ve made it clear that Rodgers’ legacy won’t earn him any special treatment in Pittsburgh. They’re ready to play hard, hit hard, and do everything they can to come out on top. So while the football world might be eager to see Aaron Rodgers shine again, the Steelers are focused on something else entirely — making sure he doesn’t get that chance against them.
