Rodgers denies “revenge” vs Packers: “I look forward to seeing my former teammates”

Aaron Rodgers Denies Feeling of Revenge Against the Packers

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn’t view Sunday night’s upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers as a “revenge game.” He stated this on Wednesday, dismissing any animosity towards the organization that drafted him 24th overall in 2005 and with whom he spent 18 years of his career.

I have no animosity towards the organization. Obviously, I wish things would have been better in our last year there, but I have a great relationship with a lot of people who are still in that organization, and this isn’t a revenge game for me. I’m excited to see some of those guys and be back on “Sunday Night Football.”

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers, who took over the starting role in 2008 in place of Brett Favre, played 15 seasons in that position before being traded to the New York Jets in April 2023. His departure paved the way for Jordan Love, selected in the first round of 2020, as the new starting quarterback for the Packers. Rodgers pointed out that, while there are similarities between his situation and Love’s with the one Favre experienced, this encounter between the past and the present is not as intense, neither for the quarterbacks nor for the fans, as the one that occurred in 2009. After defeating the Jets in Week 1, Rodgers commented that it was “nice” to beat one of his former teams, but that it doesn’t compare to what he will feel when playing against Green Bay, as they represent 18 years of his career. Rodgers clarified that those feelings would be different if Sunday night’s game were not at Acrisure Stadium. “It would be different if I were going back to Green Bay,” Rodgers commented, who won a Super Bowl with the Packers after the 2010 season. “I have a lot of affection for the organization, but if we were playing at Lambeau, the feeling would be a little different, for sure.” Coach Mike Tomlin stated on Tuesday that he doesn’t expect Rodgers to approach this game any differently than other matchups this season. Rodgers played his last game at Lambeau on January 8, 2022, throwing a touchdown and an interception in the 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions. Almost four months later, he was traded to the Jets. The trade was precipitated by Love’s selection in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Rodgers won consecutive MVP awards after Love’s arrival, but in 2022, the veteran knew his time with the organization was coming to an end. Although his exit and the process created a tense relationship with the Packers at the time, Rodgers stated that his feelings towards the organization have evolved in the years since he left Green Bay.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, perhaps. I have many wonderful memories of my time there… I grew up there. I spent 18 years there, from 21 to 39, so I am grateful for my time there. Obviously, I would have loved to retire after winning the Super Bowl, but sometimes the league doesn’t work that way, and I knew the situation was clear when they drafted Jordan, and I won the MVP the first two years he was with us. But I knew that at some point there would be a change, and if I wanted to play, it would probably have to be somewhere else. So I understand the situation. We live and learn.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers keeps in touch with Love, and they even exchanged text messages earlier this season because the Steelers and Packers had some common opponents.

He’s a great kid, really. I enjoyed my time with him. I’m not surprised how he’s playing. He’s playing great. His progression was like mine, like when you’re adapting. The first year, you’re getting your feet wet. The second year, you feel a little more confident. By the time the third year comes, you’re ready to play.

Aaron Rodgers

Love commented on Wednesday that he exchanged messages with Rodgers a couple of weeks ago. A-Rod sent me a text and talked about some of the plays we had run and about my footwork, things like that, congratulating me, so obviously it’s great to be able to hear from him. I have a lot of respect for him and every time he gives me advice, things like that, you obviously want to get feedback from a legend like him. Rodgers also pointed out that they both had the opportunity to take the reins of the franchise when an injury to the starting quarterback opened a window of opportunity. Rodgers was in Favre’s shadow for most of three seasons, but shone when the beloved veteran was injured against the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Rodgers “was incredible” with Love when they were both in Green Bay.

He did a great job supporting him, trying to give him advice all the time, and I think Jordan built on that, and on the mastery he has of our offense, of the protection schemes we do, I think it was great for both of them.

Matt LaFleur

Since he signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in May, Rodgers has earned the affection of the organization and his new teammates. He invited offensive linemen and other quarterbacks to join him in a box at the PNC Arena to watch the Penguins defeat the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 on Tuesday night. He was also accompanied by former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel. After Wednesday’s practice, Rodgers expressed his appreciation for the Steelers as an organization and for the city as a place passionate about sports, and noted the comparisons to his former team.

There are only a few fundamental franchises of that type in the league. The Packers have been around for over 100 years, and the Steelers have been around for a long time. We have a great history. It’s a great sports city. We were at the hockey game last night, so I saw Sid [Sidney Crosby] score a goal: Sid, Tang [Kris Letang] and Gino [Evgeni Malkin] have been on the team I think 21 years, which is incredible. I’m in my 21st season, so I know how difficult it is to stay as long as those guys. There’s something special about the connection.

Aaron Rodgers

In Green Bay and Pittsburgh, there are iconic players who return and live in the city, and they call Pittsburgh their full-time home and there’s something special about that. I always said there’s something in the water when you look at the great quarterbacks who have come out of the area, but it’s fun to be part of this organization, and the iconic Packers organization for so long as well.