Steelers’ Week 1 Opponent ‘Always Wanted To Sack’ Former Teammate Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers shouldn’t expect his former teammates to go easy on him during his Pittsburgh Steelers debut.

Following a rocky 2024 season with the New York Jets, Rodgers will play his 21st and potentially final NFL season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers fittingly face Justin Fields and the Jets in a Week 1 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Will McDonald is eager to chase down Rodgers. The Jets defensive lineman playfully discussed a long-time aspiration last week, per SNY.

“I always wanted to sack Rodgers from when I was a little kid,” McDonald said. “Actually, let me not say that ’cause as a little kid, I wasn’t even interested in playing football. But I did watch him, though. I watched him a lot.”

McDonald was only five years old when the Green Bay Packers drafted Rodgers in 2005. The Wisconsin native was 12 when the star quarterback led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title with a 31-25 victory over Pittsburgh.

McDonald may not be a Jet if it weren’t for Rodgers. New York moved down from pick No. 13 to 15 in the 2023 NFL Draft when trading for the four-time MVP. The Jets used that first-rounder on McDonald, who tallied a team-high 10.5 sacks last season.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line must work to thwart McDonald’s dreams when the Steelers and Jets meet at MetLife Stadium to start the regular season.

“I think he’s gonna be very competitive,” McDonald said of Rodgers. “I’m sure he already knows what I’m about, so I’m sure he’s gonna have his head on his shoulders. Obviously he’s a vet, so I’m sure he’s got a couple of tricks up his sleeve.”

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