Aaron Rodgers Leads Steelers to Season-Opening Victory Over Jets

Aaron Rodgers, now 41, made a remarkable return to form in his Pittsburgh Steelers debut, throwing four touchdowns with no interceptions in a 34-32 season-opening win against the New York Jets, demonstrating he still has elite quarterback skills despite his age. The Steelers, led by coach Mike Tomlin, gave Rodgers considerable flexibility during the offseason, including not requiring him to take preseason snaps—a first for Tomlin's tenure—reflecting their confidence in his readiness. Rodgers' performance was also a personal statement against those, including his former Jets coach Aaron Glenn, who doubted his ability to continue playing at a high level. While the Steelers' defense showed vulnerabilities, Rodgers' offensive leadership sparked optimism that the team might regain the competitive edge it had during the mid-2010s. Tomlin praised Rodgers' preparation and efforts, underscoring the patience and trust placed in him by the team. This strong start offers Rodgers an opportunity to reshape his legacy, focusing more on his enduring performance rather than past controversies or championship counts.