Quarterback Aaron Rodgers delivered a strong performance in the fourth quarter to help the Pittsburgh Steelers secure a division-clinching victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Rodgers posted a passer rating of 130.9 during the double rally, making crucial completions, including a 31-yard pass to Pat Freiermuth and a 26-yard touchdown throw to Calvin Austin III with under a minute left. Both passes came on third-and-long situations.
Rodgers reflected on the significance of these plays, particularly the game-winning touchdown. “The degree of difficulty wasn’t that high,” said Rodgers. “The moment obviously made that a little more special. Cal’s had 3 touchdowns this year, each one of them were pretty important: take the lead against the Jets, take the lead against New England, and take the lead against Baltimore. So proud of him. Coming back, he obviously adds a good element to our offense. But it wasn’t the best of my career.”
This win secured Rodgers’ first playoff appearance since 2021 after three comeback drives against Baltimore. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who played four seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay, expressed his confidence in Rodgers’ ability in critical moments.
“That’s what you want,” Rodgers said. “You know, when you’re a kid and you grow up and watch your idols, for me it was the guys with the ball in their hand late in the game. It was Joe Montana and Steve Young and Michael Jordan. The conversation around a lot of those guys is that there’s an incredible belief that when it’s the last seconds and MJ’s got the ball in his hands, he’s going to make it. When it’s ball on the 8-yard line, need a touchdown to win the game, and Joe’s making comments about John Candy up in the stands, everybody kind of has a belief they’re gonna go down score. So, when you grow up reading about that stuff and want to emulate your idols, you want to have that belief from your teammates, that when we get the ball in that situation with 2:20 (left), there’s not a doubt in their mind we’re gonna go down and score.
“I think a lot of that is due to the work we put in during the week. The other part is the connection that you make during the week, and spending time together watching film and growing closer together, so that in those moments you don’t want to let the guys down. That’s my mindset when I’m in the moment like that. I know why I’m here and why they brought me here, and I’ve got to come through in those moments because I don’t want to let my teammates down, Mike T(omlin) down, Arthur (Smith) down, Mr. (Art) Rooney, all those guys. That’s motivation. You can harness it the right way.”
Rodgers also spoke highly of head coach Mike Tomlin following their postgame interaction caught by television cameras.
“It started back in April when I came out here and visited with him, and then the conversations that we had during those months,” Rodgers said. “I’ve enjoyed my time with Mike immensely. Mike is a phenomenal leader. He’s great in front of the room. We have our meetings Wednesdays and Thursday mornings with the quarterbacks that are really, really helpful, seeing his perspective on the plan, on the opponent every single week. So it’s been a great experience. I really appreciate Mike, and I’m just thankful that he was a part of bringing me here.”
Rodgers noted his appreciation for wide receiver DK Metcalf’s return after missing two weeks due to absence.
“DK is the number one receiver so it’s great having DK back,” Rodgers said.”He’s real thankful to be back I know.And we’re all thankful to have him back as well.DK one of things I love about him – there are alot things – but DK kindof knows one speed.So although it was like fast jog-through today or fast walk-through I guess as they say not for me & DK.I like work we put-in today.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers have established themselves as one of professional football’s most successful franchises with six Super Bowl championships. The organization maintains its legacy through initiatives such as the Hall of Honor at Acrisure Stadium where figures like Art Rooney II continue overseeing operations as president. Their home stadium also features the Hall of Honor Museum, which displays historical artifacts for fans.
The Steelers remain active members within the National Football League since their founding by Arthur J.Rooney Sr.in 1933.
