Aaron Rodgers celebrated his eventful Pittsburgh Steelers debut with a dramatic win against his former team.
Rodgers began his Steelers tenure by completing 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-32 victory over the New York Jets. The 41-year-old quarterback led Pittsburgh to 17 points in the fourth quarter, including Chris Boswell’s game-winning 60-yard field goal with 63 seconds remaining at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets outgained the Steelers by 123 yards behind another quarterback excelling against his last team. Justin Fields completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown, also amassing more rushing yards (48) than any Pittsburgh player. The 26-year-old put Gang Green ahead with one of his two rushing touchdowns late in the final quarter.
Yet a Xavier Gipson fumble set up Pittsburgh for an easy touchdown right after Rodgers and Co. drove the field for 68 yards in nine plays. A 19-yard pass interference penalty by Brandon Stephens later helped the Steelers set up Boswell’s long game-winning field goal that sailed through the goalposts with room to spare.
The Jets received the ball with one last chance to regain the lead, but new Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey knocked the ball out of star wide receiver Garrett Wilson’s hands on fourth down. DK Metcalf also enjoyed a productive Steelers debut, catching four of seven targets for a team-high 83 yards.
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin liked what he saw from his squad’s newcomers.
“I’m excited about the new Steelers, whether they’re new to the league or new to us,” Tomlin said in his post-game press conference. “Man, we got a lot of plays from a lot of new Steelers today. They’re earning their place in Steeler lore with their efforts.”
During his on-field interview with CBS Sports reporter Evan Washburn, Rodgers expressed gratitude to the Steelers for signing him this offseason.
“I love these guys. I love the organization,” Rodgers said. “I love them (for) taking a chance on bringing me in and believing in me … There’s no greater feeling than being on the field and being able to compete.”
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Next week will be Metcalf’s turn to face his former team when the Steelers host the Seattle Seahawks in their home opener.
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Featured image via Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) runs off the field during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.