The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers to win clutch games for them in a way Justin Fields or Russell Wilson could not. In the season opener against the Jets, Rodgers delivered a spectacular performance that few thought would happen.
His performance was nothing short of magical, but it helped that he could rely on a wizard of sorts to make some history in his debut game with the Steelers. Star kicker Chris Boswell helped out his new quarterback by nailing the go-ahead field goal from 60 yards out, a new career high for the Steelers stalwart.
With the dust now settled on an iconic performance, let's take a look at how it compares to some other memorable moments in Steelers history.
Aaron Rodgers makes some Pittsburgh Steelers history with help from Chris Boswell
Rodgers ties a Ben Roethlisberger game record against the Jets
Anytime a Steelers quarterback passes for four touchdowns, it's a memorable game, especially in a nail-biter that comes down to the last minute. Aaron did not disappoint fans in his Steelers debut. He tossed touchdown strikes to Calvin Austin, Ben Skowronek, Jaylen Warren, and Jonnu Smith, racking up 244 passing yards.
Rodgers equaled a Ben Roethlisberger performance from 2016 at home, in which Roethlisberger threw four touchdown passes but to three different receivers. However, Roethlisberger played that game at home. When playing the Jets on the road, the last time such a feat occurred was in a game that was both bittersweet and memorable for Steelers fans.
The Steelers last achieved this feat in 1983, when they had four touchdown passes on the road against the Jets. Why was this game bittersweet? The Steelers needed a win to make the playoffs, and Chuck Noll started Terry Bradshaw, who was recovering from an elbow injury.
Bradshaw threw two touchdowns before injuring his elbow again. It was Bradshaw's final game. Cliff Stoudt then threw two more touchdown passes. In the game, the Steelers scored 34 points, the same as they scored in today's victory.
Aaron Rodgers comes close to tying a week one mark set in 1950
Rodgers' performance became the first Steelers quarterback since 2007 to throw four touchdowns in a season opener, matching Roethlisberger's feat in 2007 against the Cleveland Browns. Again, in that game, the Steelers scored 34 points.
Had the former MVP been able to throw five touchdown passes, he would have tied a mark first set by Bobby Layne in 1960 and later tied by Mark Malone in the 1985 season opener. Even though it didn't happen, Rodgers' throwing four touchdowns in the 2025 season opener will be memorable for Steelers fans for years to come.
Aaron Rodgers needs a wizard on his game-winning drive
In his career, Rodgers has had 23 4th-quarter comebacks and 34 game-winning drives, and his victory will add one more to each category. However, he had to rely on some wizadry to accomplish that feat.
On their game-winning drive, Rodgers drove the Steelers down the field but failed to get close enough to put the ball in field goal territory. However, when that happened, Mike Tomlin had his wizard conjure up some magic. Chris Boswell, otherwise known as the Wizard of Boz, kicked the longest field goal of his career at 60 yards.
Without any doubt, fans will be talking about this game for the remainder of the season, especially if the Steelers make a playoff run. Even if it doesn't, it's a game for the ages, and fans will remember where they were when they watched Aaron Rodgers' magical debut in the revenge game with the Steelers.