In a recent battle dubbed the “Icy Hot Bowl” by many, Aaron Rodgers suffered a disappointing loss to slightly-younger quarterback Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals. Rodgers also could have suffered an injury in the game due to one of his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.
Following a big touchdown pass thrown by Rodgers to tight end Pat Freiermuth, Rodgers rushed to the end zone to celebrate with the players. However, teammate Roderick Jones got a bit overzealous with his celebrating as he jumped on Rodgers from behind in a sort of tackle hug.
Rodgers was caught off guard by it and popped up afterward, shoving Jones away and saying some choice words to him. Clearly, in the heated moment, the Steelers quarterback was not amused by Jones taking him down.
While recently speaking to reporters, Rodgers joked that his only tackle the other night was Broderick. However, he said he sent a message to his teammate, cautioning him about doing that again.
“I love everything you’re about, but also, I’m 41 — You can’t be tackling me like that,” Rodgers told Jones, adding that he and his teammate also had some laughs over the incident.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium… | Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Rodgers said while speaking to the media that Jones is always high energy and celebrates with him after big plays. Still, he wants the big man to be a bit more careful with him at 41.
Along with that, Rodgers joked that besides taking that tackle from his teammate, he’s feeling “pretty good” heading into the next game.
“I’m getting him next. He better watch his back,” Rodgers also joked.
Rodgers infamously suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in his first game with the New York Jets, whom the Packers traded him to in 2023. However, that was due to an opponent sacking him.
On Sunday, the Steelers will try to bounce back from their tough loss to the Bengals. Rodgers will face the team he spent the majority of his career with, the Green Bay Packers, and their new star QB1, Jordan Love, in this week’s “Sunday Night Football.”
It will be the first time Rodgers has faced his former team since they traded him. Despite an unsuccessful stint with the Jets, he seems to have the Steelers looking more like an AFC playoff team.
However, remaining healthy will be a significant part of their success as the season continues. Rodgers is in his 21st season and is leading the NFL in touchdown passes. While he still possesses elite talent at his position, he definitely doesn’t want to see his season or career end prematurely due to a teammate overdoing it on a celebration.
