There are certain opponents that mean more than the final score. For Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers will always be one of them.
The Pittsburgh Steelers open their 2026 preseason against Green Bay at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night, putting Rodgers across the field from the franchise that defined the majority of his career. Rodgers will not play in the preseason opener, but there is still plenty of meaning surrounding the matchup as he begins what he has confirmed will be his final NFL season. (Bolavip)
One Last Run for Rodgers
At 42 years old, Rodgers is entering his 22nd NFL season and his second with Pittsburgh. He returned on a one-year contract after producing 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions across 16 starts last season. Pittsburgh also captured the AFC North before its season ended against Houston in the Wild Card round. (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Now there is no uncertainty about what comes next.
Rodgers has made it clear that 2026 will be his final season, giving every appearance and every matchup a little more weight. Pittsburgh’s decision to hire Mike McCarthy also reunited Rodgers with the coach who helped guide him through much of his legendary run in Green Bay. (NFL.com)
Green Bay Will Always Be Home
Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Packers after being selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He became a four-time NFL MVP, won Super Bowl XLV and established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation.
Even after leaving Green Bay, the connection never disappeared. Rodgers has previously said he intends to retire as a Packer when his playing career is finished. (NFL.com)
That makes Thursday’s matchup symbolic, even with Rodgers watching from the sideline.
On the other side stands Jordan Love, the quarterback Green Bay drafted to eventually replace him. Love has since established himself as the Packers’ leader, turning what was once an uncomfortable succession plan into a new era in Green Bay.
For Pittsburgh, however, the focus is bigger than nostalgia. Rodgers returned for one more opportunity to compete for a championship.
The farewell tour has officially begun.
And fittingly, the Green Bay Packers are there at the start.