Aaron Rodgers Downplays Jets Return Ahead of Season Opener

Aaron Rodgers, the newly signed quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is not making much of his return to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets in their season opener on September 10, 2024. During a media session on Wednesday, Rodgers deflected questions about the significance of the matchup, stating simply, “Yeah, it’s Week 1.”

Rodgers’ attitude reflects a desire to maintain focus as his team prepares for the game. When asked about his emotions upon entering the stadium where he spent two tumultuous years, he reiterated that his excitement is purely for the start of the season. “I’d just be excited for Week 1,” he added.

The 40-year-old quarterback was released by the Jets earlier this year after a disappointing tenure that included a season-ending Achilles injury in the 2023 opener and a 5-12 record in the 2024 season. In June, he signed a one-year contract worth $13.65 million with the Steelers, marking his second transition to a new team in just three years, having previously played for the Green Bay Packers for 18 seasons.

New Beginnings and Familiar Faces

The Jets have since secured quarterback Justin Fields, who previously played for the Steelers, signing him to a two-year deal worth $40 million. Despite the changes in both organizations, Rodgers still knows several players on the Jets roster, including the Williams brothers—Quincy and Quinnen—along with Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter. “I know some of the guys,” he noted, acknowledging their new defensive system while also expressing familiarity with the players.

When pressed on whether he maintains contact with his former teammates, Rodgers responded, “I’m not going to tell you that,” keeping his focus firmly on the upcoming game rather than his past.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin anticipated Rodgers’ approach, suggesting that the quarterback is capable of compartmentalizing the emotional aspects of returning to his former home. “If it means anything to him more than a normal game, he probably wouldn’t tell you,” Tomlin stated. “We’re going to go play football.”

Rodgers is not only downplaying the significance of the game to the press but also to his new teammates. Tight end Pat Freiermuth noted that Rodgers’ demeanor helps the team view the game as just another opportunity to compete, emphasizing their desire to win for him while keeping their focus on the game itself.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf echoed this sentiment, stating that Rodgers’ eagerness to play stems from a love for the game rather than any lingering sentiments about his former team. “He just wants to go out there and win as many games as he can,” Metcalf remarked.

Preparation Amid Uncertainty

As the Steelers gear up for their season debut, concerns about their offensive cohesion have emerged, particularly since they have yet to compete as a full unit in a game. Coach Tomlin, however, expressed confidence based on the team’s preparation, stating, “I see them work every day, and that daily work leads to in-stadium performance.”

Despite some uncertainty surrounding the team’s readiness, Metcalf remains unconcerned about any potential slow start. “That’s everybody else’s worry, not mine,” he said, reinforcing the team’s focus on execution rather than speculation.

With the season opener rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Rodgers as he leads his new team into a game against the Jets, where the stakes may be high but his message remains clear: it’s just another week in the NFL.