"I’m not going to take any shots" - Aaron Rodgers refuses to call out Jets after Steelers reporter asks major organizational difference

By Cole Shelton

Modified Jun 12, 2025 17:58 GMT

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Minicamp - Source: Imagn — Aaron Rodgers refuses to call out Jets after Steelers reporter asks major organizational difference - Source: Imagn

Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to be the team's starting quarterback.

Rodgers was released by the New York Jets this offseason, and he contemplated his future. The future Hall of Famer opted not to retire and signed with the Steelers.

In Week 1, Pittsburgh plays the Jets on the road, which will now be a must-see game. Ahead of the season, Rodgers was asked about the Jets, and he opted not to take a shot at the organization.

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"I’m not going to take any shots at my previous organization, if that’s what you’re trying to get me to do," Rodgers said. "I'm going to talk about these guys. I like the opportunity here."

Instead of taking a shot at the Jets, Rodgers instead just complimented the Steelers organization as he seems happy to be in Pittsburgh.

Rodgers was impressed with the Steelers' organization and said he's excited to learn from Mike Tomlin and be part of this team and roster.

Aaron Rodgers said joining the Steelers was good for his soul

Aaron Rodgers could have retired from football, but he opted to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rodgers took time to make his decision, but still felt the desire to compete, which is why he signed with the Steelers. He also says playing for Tomlin and in Pittsburgh is good for his soul.

"I don't need it for my ego," Rodgers said, via ESPN. "I don't need it to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I've made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling."

Rodgers added:

"This was a decision that was best for my soul, and I felt like being here with coach [Mike Tomlin] and the guys that got here and the opportunity here was the best for me and I'm excited to be here."

Rodgers did confirm he had talks with other teams during the offseason, but always felt connected with Tomlin and the Steelers' organization.

Rodgers is coming off a season with the Jets where he threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

About the author

Cole is an NHL, NFL and College Sports reporter at Sportskeeda with over 7 years of experience writing for publications like CBC, USA Today, SMG, BJPENN, Sherdog and SB Nation.

An NHL fan his whole life, Cole played rep hockey in Canada from age 5 until 17 and grew up rooting for Martin St. Louis and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His all-time favorite players are Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, while Jon Cooper is his favorite coach of all time.

Cole attended Sheridan College and received his journalism degree in 2019. After decades of watching and reporting, he considers his knowledge of sports as his primary strength. He ensures that the same story has been reported by at least two reputed reporters before creating it.

Cole enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends and family when not reporting breaking stories. His favorite sports moment is from the 2010 Olympics, when Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal in overtime to beat Team USA for the gold medal.

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Edited by Cole Shelton