Aaron Rodgers won his Pittsburgh Steelers debut with four touchdowns showing the New York Jets, who pretty much dumped him over the summer, that he can still play.
The 2025 NFL season opener delivered fireworks in New York. Aaron Rodgers, facing his former team, powered the Pittsburgh Steelers to a dramatic 34-32 win over the Jets. The veteran quarterback threw four touchdowns, including two in a stunning fourth-quarter rally.
Chris Boswell’s booming 60-yard field goal in the final minute sealed the game. Moments later, Jalen Ramsey broke up Justin Fields’ fourth-down pass, clinching Rodgers’ first victory in black and gold.
Rodgers Lifts Steelers with Vintage Performance
Rodgers proved why he’s still among the league’s best. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. His composure on third downs and red-zone efficiency gave Pittsburgh an edge.
The Steelers were flawless inside the Jets’ 20, converting all three trips into touchdowns. Rodgers also came within one score of tying Brett Favre on the all-time touchdown list.
Special Teams Spark Turnaround
Pittsburgh’s special teams shifted the game. Kenneth Gainwell forced a fumble on a kickoff, recovered by Ben Skowronek. Just seconds later, Rodgers fired an 18-yard touchdown to Calvin Austin III.
Boswell also delivered in clutch moments. He hit both field goals, including the career-long 60-yarder, and was perfect on extra points.
Fields Fights Back for the Jets
Despite the loss, Justin Fields gave Jets fans reason for hope. He threw for 218 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores. His connection with Garrett Wilson, who caught a 33-yard touchdown, kept New York in control for much of the game.
Running back Breece Hall powered the ground attack with 107 rushing yards on 19 carries. The Jets outgained Pittsburgh on the ground 182-53, showing dominance in the trenches.
Costly Mistakes Doom New York
The Jets’ downfall came from missed opportunities. A fumbled kickoff return by Xavier Gipson and two failed two-point conversion attempts proved costly.
Coach Aaron Glenn gambled twice, but both conversion attempts fell short. Instead of building a secure lead, the Jets left the door open for Rodgers and the Steelers.
Defensively, New York’s front line, led by Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald IV, sacked Rodgers four times. Yet, their secondary failed to contain Pittsburgh’s receivers in crucial moments.
Turning Point: Back-to-Back Scores
Trailing 26-17 entering the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh flipped the game in under a minute. Rodgers connected with Jonnu Smith for a short touchdown. Seconds later, Austin’s touchdown following the fumble recovery gave the Steelers a 31-26 lead.
The Jets briefly regained the advantage on Fields’ second rushing score, but Boswell’s late kick proved decisive.
Play of the Game: Ramsey’s Knockdown
While Rodgers grabbed the headlines, the final blow came from defense. With 25 seconds left, Justin Fields aimed for Garrett Wilson on fourth down. Jalen Ramsey delivered a crushing hit, forcing an incompletion and sealing the win.
Quotes from the Field
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised his kicker: “Our kicker is a serial killer. Low pulse, ready to deliver.”
Rodgers brushed off outside criticism, saying: “There’s a lot of garbage being talked. We’ve got a great relationship. Happy to be 1-0.”
What’s Next?
The Steelers return home to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. The Jets, meanwhile, prepare for a tough divisional clash with the five-time AFC East champion Buffalo Bills.
