Rodgers: SNF matchup against Packers 'not a revenge game'

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he doesn't hold any ill will toward the Green Bay Packers ahead of his first game against them since leaving the team in 2023.

"I don't have any animosity toward the organization," Rodgers told reporters Wednesday, including ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "Obviously, I wish that things had been better in our last year there, but I have a great relationship with a lot of people still in that organization. This is not a revenge game for me. I'm just excited to see some of those guys and be on Sunday Night Football again."

Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Packers after being selected 24th overall in the 2005 draft. The Cal product spent the first few years of his career biding his time behind Hall of Famer Brett Favre. When he eventually got his turn, he took off and never looked back. He led Green Bay to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl XLV title.

Rodgers admitted he would've liked to "ride off into the sunset" after winning a second title with the Packers, but he saw that situation as unlikely after the team drafted quarterback Jordan Love in 2020.

The veteran said communication issues with the Packers factored into his eventual trade to the New York Jets in April 2023. The four-time MVP holds plenty of Green Bay franchise records, chief among them being the all-time leader in career passing touchdowns.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder, maybe. I have a lot of great memories from my time there. A lot of great interactions with fans over the years," Rodgers said.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also downplayed the importance of Sunday's game and joked that Rodgers doesn't seem like a 41-year-old on the field.

"He looks like he can still do anything. What's surprising, for such an old man, he's still moving around pretty good too," LaFleur said Wednesday, according to Packers Wire's Zach Cruse.

Rodgers has led the Steelers to a 4-2 record. The 10-time Pro Bowler is completing 68.6% of his passes for 1,270 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions through six games.