Two years ago, Aaron Rodgers embarked on a new start with the New York Jets that proved to be painful and unfulfilling.
The 41-year-old quarterback begins another stint Sunday and this time the Jets are the opponent when he takes the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon at East Rutherford, N.J.
“This is the second new, so it’s the new new,” Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m loving being here.”
Rodgers’ first game with the Jets ended on the fourth snap as he tore his right Achilles tendon at the Meadowlands. He returned last season but no longer looked like a four-time MVP who has produced 62,952 yards and 503 touchdowns in 20 seasons, the first 18 with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets ended shortly after Aaron Glenn became head coach and told Rodgers they were moving in another direction.
Glenn has declined to discuss Rodgers’ exit this week. Same when the questions pertain to Rodgers’ 2024 performance or how Rodgers looks on the film.
“I’m not going to answer questions about guys that aren’t here and what I saw,” Glenn said. “. … It’s not relevant to right now.”
Rodgers says he’s happy with the Steelers, though recent precedence in Pittsburgh might be working against him. Pittsburgh tried the veteran approach with Russell Wilson last season, and it didn’t pan out.
Now it is Rodgers’ turn to see if he can end the Steelers’ drought of six straight postseason losses dating back to the 2016 season.
“I’m happy I’m here. Very happy,” Rodgers said. “Really enjoy the guys, really enjoying my little corner over here, and then my quarterback room and the big room with the offense, getting to know those guys, being a conscious observer out at practice, taking everything in, and really enjoying Mike Tomlin’s team meetings. I’m enjoying everything Pittsburgh-related and excited about the season to start.”
The Jets replaced Rodgers with Justin Fields, who was part of the Pittsburgh quarterback room last season. The 26-year-old started six games for the Steelers and owns a 14-30 starting record with the Chicago Bears (2021-23) and Steelers.
Fields is being asked to halt New York’s streak of 14 consecutive seasons without reaching the playoffs.
He finds it ironic that the two teams — with quarterbacks switching sides — are matched up in the season opener.
“Yeah, the storyline’s crazy,” Fields said. “That’s why the NFL set us up for Week 1, just for that. But, yeah, it’s cool. Cool to kind of see that. And it’s gonna be fun going up against these guys on Sunday.”
Glenn takes over a New York squad that went 5-12 last season. The franchise has dropped 10 or more games in five straight seasons and eight of the past nine.
“I want to be a team where the fans will look up and say, ‘We’re proud of that team,” Glenn, “and if they say that, I’ll be happy. I’ll be happy, because within that, I know that wins will come.”
The Jets have solid offensive pieces in running back Breece Hall (1,359 scrimmage yards in 2024) and wideout Garrett Wilson (101 receptions). Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Sauce Gardner is the top player on the defensive side.
Gardner (fibula) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice along with backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee). The big blow involves the loss of guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (15 starts in 2024) to a torn triceps that reportedly could end his season. Right tackler Chukwuma Okorafor (hand) joined Vera-Tucker on the sideline Wednesday.
Pittsburgh rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) will miss the opener. He was the club’s first-round draft pick.
Veteran All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward is slated to play despite his unhappiness with a two-year, $29 million extension he signed just 12 months ago. Heyward was a limited participant during training camp.
“There are no reservations about his participation or his readiness,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “I’m sure he’s champing at the bit.”
Pittsburgh routed visiting New York 37-15 last season with Wilson at quarterback. Rodgers passed for 276 yards and one touchdown and was intercepted twice.
