PITTSBURGH — When the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers on “Sunday Night Football,” there will be no shortage of storylines. Two iconic franchises. A future Hall of Fame quarterback against the QB he mentored. A pair of playoff hopefuls in prime time, trying to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
But to Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a so-called “revenge game” against his former team won’t be part of that narrative.
“I don’t have any animosity toward the (Packers) organization,” Rodgers said after practice Wednesday. “Obviously, I wish that things had been better in our last year there. I have a great relationship with a lot of people still in that organization. This is not a revenge game to me. I’m just excited to see some of those guys and be on ‘Sunday Night Football’ again.”
Aaron Rodgers on the game against Green Bay: “I don’t have any animosity toward the organization…. I have a great relationship with a lot of people still in that organization.
“This is NOT a revenge game to me. I’m just excited to see a lot of those guys and be on SNF again.” pic.twitter.com/twbtW8My5t
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 22, 2025
In a league of quarterback desperation, the Packers have rather seamlessly transitioned from one franchise QB to another on several occasions. However, that process has also included moving on from veteran quarterbacks who believed they still had something left. Rodgers felt that process from both sides. Brett Favre was 35 years old and heading to his 15th season when the Packers selected Rodgers with the 24th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. After sitting for three seasons behind Favre, Rodgers took over in 2008 and begin to build a resume that now includes 10 Pro Bowl nods, four MVPs and a Super Bowl.
The shoe was on the other foot in 2020. With four years remaining on Rodgers’ contract and pressing needs at skill positions, the Packers surprisingly drafted Jordan Love with the 26th pick, making him the heir apparent.
“I knew the writing was on the wall when Jordan was picked,” Rodgers said. “It was a matter of time. I happened to win the MVP in the first two years he was with us. But I knew at some point there would be a change, and if I wanted to play, it would probably have to be elsewhere. I understand the situation.
“We live and we learn. I have nothing but love and appreciation for the fan base, for the city of Green Bay, the city of Hobart and the city of Suamico, where I lived for so many years. I’m excited to see a lot of those people.”
Rodgers called Love a “great kid” and said he enjoyed his time with the now-starter in Green Bay. They remain in touch, years after Rodgers’ departure. Last week, the two QBs exchanged a few text messages about common opponents.
“His progression was like mine, kind of,” Rodgers said. “The first year, you’re getting your feet wet. Second year, you feel a little more confident. By the time the third year comes around, you’re ready to play.”
Rodgers explained that his moment to play came in 2007, when Favre was injured against the Cowboys. In a similar way, when Rodgers got injured against the Eagles in 2022, Love got his first shot in the NFL, beginning to close the door on Rodgers’ Packers tenure and open a new one for Love.
“That was kind of the message to the organization that this guy is ready to play,” Rodgers said. “I felt like it in ’07. He felt like it in ’22.
“I’m really happy for him. He’s one of the real good guys in the league. I’m sure his leadership is continuing to grow over there. I like the way he’s playing. He’s super accurate. He’s taking care of the football. He’s being opportunistic, making great throws downfield and using his legs, as well.”
Rodgers said he’s also heard from a number of people associated with the Packers organization this week, including the team photographer, nutritionist and trainer. He acknowledged that it took some time for his feelings on the Packers to evolve, but he reiterated on several instances that he feels nothing but “love” for the fan base, city of Green Bay and the surrounding communities.
Aaron Rodgers talked fondly about his time in Green Bay, the fans and the community: “I have a lot of great memories from my time there…
“I grew up there. I spent 18 years there.” pic.twitter.com/S8SnGnUy59
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 22, 2025
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder, maybe,” Rodgers said. “I have a lot of great memories from my time there. A lot of great interactions with fans. Living in Green Bay. Living in Suamico. Living in Hobart. Going to Chives (Restaurant). Being out and about. Seeing people at the Piggly Wiggly shopping for groceries.
“I grew up there. I spent 18 years there, from 21 to 39 (years old). I’m thankful for my time there. Obviously, I would have loved to ride off into the sunset there after a Super Bowl win, but that’s the way the league goes sometimes.”