Steel City Underground presents our 2025 Plays of the Year series: a weekly rewind through the biggest moments, breakout performances, and unforgettable highlights from last season’s Pittsburgh Steelers campaign.
The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a good start in their 2025 NFL regular season with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm. Then he, and the Steelers offense, suffered injuries and setbacks that had the fanbase souring on his abilities and considering whether his stint in Pittsburgh was just another letdown in a period of disappointing lack of championship-caliber seasons.
In Week 14, just one week removed from a season-worst performance, Rodgers put together a revenge-type performance against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens that he expressed vocally should quiet some of the naysaying.
As a Steelers fan, and a sportswriter, I appreciated this Aaron Rodgers response **classic** pic.twitter.com/JmqfNQJq0b
— Christina Rivers (@3Rivers_Writer) December 9, 2025
The double-check
In Week 14, Rodgers – who was repeatedly mentioned along with his 42 years of age – did something with the Steelers that he hasn’t done since 2021 (before a significant Achilles injury): he ran for a touchdown.
The “Discount Double Check” celey is BACK for Aaron Rodgers! 💪
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/sjsijxiYI0
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 7, 2025
Rodgers admitted in his post-game press conference that the play was intended to be one to tight end Jonnu Smith, but that when the left side was open and two very large individuals (paraphrasing) were all he had to outrun, he opted for the keeper for the score.
Being the field general
Quarterbacks are often referred to as being field generals when they are operating in a theater of battle. Rodgers has been playing the position, but on this Sunday afternoon he was commanding the Steelers offense.
“That’s why you go do business with a guy like Aaron (Rodgers). Thick days, like today, he’s a been-there done-that guy. Beyond the experience component of it, he relishes it. You can just tell. That’s the benefit of having a guy like him.” – Mike Tomlin
Rodgers was aggressive, and that was the reported plan for defeating the Ravens. Working with Arthur Smith to be more competitive in the passing game, Rodgers completed 23 of 34 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown. Primary receiver D.K. Metcalf caught 7 passes for 148 yards (21.1 yards per catch average).
Here are his top passes from the game:
Major dime(s) alert 🚨
📺: #MIAvsPIT 12/15 at 8:15 PM ET on ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/4KjCMwpcd9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2025
Celebrating as a teammate
In the past, Rodgers has taken heat from analysts and NFL fans for appearing to not be a team guy. He has been called a diva, called out for not showing camaraderie. During this game with the Steelers, that was far from the truth.
Mood on Victory Monday ‼️ pic.twitter.com/huFKfLcBJI
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2025
Rodgers has gotten older, but he showed he still has some of that GOAT in him. He wanted to compete… and it showed. The way he played in Week 14 certainly was the type of performance Steelers fans hoped he would bring by coming to Pittsburgh. And, yes, he may have gotten some sweet revenge on those who were ready to toss him on the bench.
Check back each week as we continue spotlighting the plays that defined the Steelers’ 2025 season — one moment at a time.