Aaron Rodgers went through every emotion doable on his manner back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, when he was still with the Packers.
The Steelers managed to clinch the AFC North and spot in the playoffs in dramatic style as a missed 44-yard area purpose by Ravens kicker Tyler Loop as time expired securing a 26-24 win over Baltimore.
“It’s pretty emotional, honestly,” Rodgers instructed NBC after the win. “It’s been a great year. I’m thankful for these guys and excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.”
Rodgers went through it all, watching with sorrow on his face as the Ravens lined up what should have been an simple kick to win the sport and before main the Steelers down the area on a six-play 1:25 drive to rating the go-ahead 26-yard landing go to Calvin Austin II.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to be like on during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
And a drive before that, Rodgers was noticed screaming at the Steelers’ sideline as he dealt with an subject with the communications system in his helmet, making it arduous for him to hear what play was being called.
In the finish, Rodgers was ready to elevate his arms in victory before strolling off the area with a smile on his face as the NBC broadcast captured him strolling down the tunnel to the locker room, beaming from ear to ear.
Rodgers, 42, will be making his first playoff look since the 2021-22 season with the Packers.
It was a stark distinction from a few minutes earlier when he was watching from the sideline as Lamar Jackson took the Ravens down the area in the remaining minute of the sport.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) greets tight finish Pat Freiermuth (88) after an NFL soccer sport against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. AP
He was slumped over on the bench, wanting on.
“It sucked. It’s the worst part of this game,” Rodgers said, while laughing, when discussing that second. “I’d rather have the ball in my hand. We haven’t made it easy for ourselves for most of the year. … On offense, we didn’t handle our business the first half, but the second half, we came out with a different focus. When we had to have points, we went down and scored.”
Rodgers completed the sport with 31 completions for 294 yards and a landing go in the dramatic win.
The Steelers will now face the Texans in the Wild Card spherical on Monday at 8:15 p.m.
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