Aaron Rodgers Throws 4 TDs, Lifts Steelers 34–32 Over Jets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in his Pittsburgh Steelers debut, including two in under a minute, leading a dramatic 34–32 comeback win over the New York Jets. Chris Boswell sealed the victory with a career-long 60-yard field goal. The game marked a historic Week 1 showdown with both starting quarterbacks facing their former teams.
Aaron Rodgers Shines in Steelers Debut: Quick Looks
- Rodgers tosses 4 TDs, ties Brady’s record for most 4-TD, 0-INT games (28)
- Steelers win 34–32 after trailing by 6 late in the 4th
- Chris Boswell hits game-winning 60-yard FG with 1:03 left
- Jets’ Justin Fields rushes for 2 TDs, throws for 1
- DK Metcalf makes wild tipped-ball catch on game-winning drive
- Jets fumble kickoff return in 4th, leads to Steelers TD
- Rodgers’ first game back in East Rutherford since Jets release
- Historic Week 1: both QBs played against their 2024 teams
- Steelers’ defense forces final fourth-down stop to clinch win
- Fan reaction: Rodgers booed by Jets crowd on return
Deep Look
Rodgers Throws 4 TDs in Steelers Debut, Leads 34–32 Comeback Over Former Team
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a dramatic homecoming and revenge tour rolled into one, Aaron Rodgers made a triumphant debut as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, throwing four touchdown passes and orchestrating a late comeback to edge the New York Jets 34–32 on Sunday afternoon.
Rodgers’ performance was vintage — efficient, fearless, and clutch — as he completed 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. He became just the second quarterback in NFL history, alongside Tom Brady, to record 28 games with at least four TDs and no picks.
“I love beating everybody,” Rodgers said. “It doesn’t matter who it is… but this one felt a little better.”
Revenge on the Jets, and a Clutch Final Drive
Rodgers was released by the Jets this offseason after an injury-shortened stint and a coaching change that brought in Aaron Glenn. On Sunday, he got the perfect opportunity to show them what they lost.
With 3:12 remaining and the Steelers trailing 32–31, Rodgers calmly marched the offense into Jets territory. The drive’s highlight came on a wild 11-yard catch by DK Metcalf, which deflected off multiple defenders before falling back into his hands.
Facing fourth-and-11 from the Jets’ 42-yard line, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin sent out Chris Boswell for a massive 60-yard field goal. The veteran kicker nailed it — a career best — putting the Steelers ahead with 1:03 left.
“Boz is a serial killer,” Tomlin said. “Cold-blooded. He can’t wait to deliver.”
Jets Miss Final Opportunity
The Jets still had a chance to respond. Justin Fields, starting his first game as New York’s quarterback, drove the team near midfield. But on fourth-and-3, Fields’ pass to Garrett Wilson fell incomplete after a crushing hit by Jalen Ramsey knocked the ball loose.
Rodgers took a knee to seal the win — a dramatic ending to an emotional return to MetLife Stadium.
Fields, Hall Shine Despite Loss
Justin Fields played well in defeat, completing 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards, one passing touchdown, and two rushing scores. His final TD — a 1-yard keeper — gave the Jets a brief 32–31 lead with just over 7 minutes remaining.
Fields’ favorite target was college teammate Garrett Wilson, who caught a 33-yard touchdown and was targeted on key plays throughout the game.
Running back Breece Hall posted a strong day on the ground, rushing for 107 yards on 19 carries.
Steelers Seize Momentum in Fourth Quarter
The Steelers began their comeback when Rodgers hit Jaylen Warren for a 5-yard touchdown to cut the Jets’ lead to 26–24.
On the ensuing kickoff, Kenneth Gainwell forced Xavier Gipson to fumble, and Ben Skowronek recovered at the Jets’ 22-yard line. Rodgers wasted no time, connecting with Calvin Austin III for an 18-yard score just two plays later, giving the Steelers a 31–26 lead early in the fourth.
“We can’t have turnovers,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said. “If you’re going to cost us games, you won’t be on the field.”
MetLife Return: Rodgers Booed in First Game Back
Rodgers was loudly booed by Jets fans when he jogged onto the field for Pittsburgh’s first offensive series. On his very first snap, he was sacked by former teammate Quinnen Williams — but he bounced back quickly, finding Ben Skowronek for a 22-yard TD that put the Steelers on the board.
Rodgers didn’t play during the preseason and was returning to the stadium where his 2024 season ended abruptly after a Week 1 injury.
Injury Updates
- Steelers:
- S DeShon Elliott and LB Malik Harrison left with knee injuries.
- CB Joey Porter Jr. was shut down due to hamstring tightness.
- Jets:
- RB/KR Kene Nwangwu exited in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return.
Historic Quarterback Matchup
This game marked the first time in NFL history that both Week 1 starting quarterbacks played against the team they opened the previous season with.
- Rodgers: Ex-Jets → Steelers
- Fields: Ex-Bears → Jets (facing former NFC North rival)
“It was weird but exciting,” Fields said postgame. “We had a chance and came up short.”
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