The Steelers’ rough 20-3 beatdown by the Patriots in Week 2 has everyone talking, but nobody expected Aaron Rodgers’ formerly estranged brother, Jordan Rodgers, to step up and defend him. After years of a family rift, Jordan went on ESPN’s First Take this Wednesday, September 23, praising his brother’s performance even as the team stumbled.
“On the Money” Throws and Exes Getting Back Together
Jordan, who’s 38, didn’t hold back, insisting he wasn’t “trying to be a homer” but that Aaron’s throws “were on the money.” He argued the lack of completed passes wasn’t Aaron’s fault, pointing to “non-call” throws and dropped balls downfield. For Jordan, the Steelers’ Week 1 performance was actually “absolutely explosive” if not for “a few drops and a few missed calls.” He believes the team, with Aaron, 42, and coach Mike McCarthy reuniting after their Green Bay Packers days, needs “patience.” It’s like “that ex you ended up getting back together with after a long time,” Jordan said, telling viewers they’ll “get better with patience.” This isn’t just a brother sticking up for family; it’s a deep dive into what’s really going on with a new quarterback and coach trying to find their rhythm.
Family Reconciliation and Taking Ownership
What makes Jordan’s defense even wilder is the backstory. Aaron revealed earlier this year that he finally ended a years-long rift with his entire family. He met with his parents, Darla and Ed Rodgers, in Chico at the house he bought and built for them. Then it was his older brother Luke in Nashville, and a few weeks later, Jordan. Aaron shared on the Not Just Football podcast on September 10 that these were “tough conversations for sure,” but he’s “in a much better headspace.” Now, Jordan’s out there publicly backing his brother’s on-field play, showing how far they’ve come. Aaron himself, after that Patriots loss, owned up to the team’s struggles. He said they “can’t feel sorry for ourselves” or “point fingers.” Everyone, especially him, has “got to play better” and “give a little more.” Aaron knows “the best teams are player-led teams,” so they have to take ownership and make sure McCarthy knows “what’s working, what’s not working” to call the right plays.
It’s clear the Steelers are still finding their identity in this early season, especially with Rodgers and McCarthy getting back in sync. The message from both brothers is loud and clear: patience is the game plan. If they can iron out the drops and non-calls, and McCarthy and Rodgers truly hit their stride, this team could still be something worth watching. It’s a long season, and the “feeling out process” is just beginning.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply