Aaron Rodgers critiques NFL preseason, calls it 'not real football
CBS NFL • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 5:01 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
Aaron Rodgers spoke during a press conference about the NFL preseason's lack of substance. Ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, he expressed little desire to play, stating, "It's preseason, it's not real football." Rodgers has observed that teams now run basic plays, making preseason games less meaningful. He also criticized the decline of joint practices, which originally provided valuable competitive experience but have devolved into conflicts. While coaches like Matt LaFleur advocate for starter participation in the preseason, Rodgers remains unconvinced of its benefits and plans to support his team from the sidelines if not playing.
- •Rodgers questions the relevance of preseason games.
- •Steelers host the Packers in their preseason opener.
- •He prefers helping from the sidelines over playing.
- •Joint practices have become less effective, according to Rodgers.
- •Packers coach LaFleur supports preseason action for starters.
- 5:01 PMCBS NFL — Aaron Rodgers sounds off on the problems with the NFL preseason: 'It's not real football'
- 10:40 AMNFL News — Rodgers on playing in preseason: ‘It’s not real football’ - NFL.com
"Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 42, doesn't see the benefit of playing in preseason action against the Green Bay Packers at this stage of his career.
"The Steelers quarterback does not sound eager to face his former team in Pittsburgh's preseason opener
Sources
External links- CBS NFLAug 13, 2026, 5:01 PMAaron Rodgers sounds off on the problems with the NFL preseason: 'It's not real football'
The Steelers quarterback does not sound eager to face his former team in Pittsburgh's preseason opener
- NFL NewsAug 12, 2026, 10:40 AMRodgers on playing in preseason: ‘It’s not real football’ - NFL.com
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 42, doesn't see the benefit of playing in preseason action against the Green Bay Packers at this stage of his career.
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