Aaron Rodgers prefers sideline role in preseason opener against Green Bay
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 1:34 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
Aaron Rodgers, entering his final NFL training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, indicated he does not plan to play in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. Rodgers stated that preseason games do not represent 'real football,' emphasizing his desire to support younger quarterbacks like Drew Allar and Will Howard from the sidelines. Head coach Mike McCarthy has yet to confirm if Rodgers will take the field, citing the importance of managing player health. Although Rodgers hasn't played in a preseason game for three years, he believes practice is where true growth occurs for the team, noting an optimistic outlook on their progress this summer.
- •Rodgers is in his 22nd NFL training camp.
- •He prefers coaching younger quarterbacks during the preseason.
- •McCarthy has not confirmed Rodgers will play against Green Bay.
- •Rodgers last played in a preseason game three years ago.
- •He believes the team is making solid progress during camp.
- 1:34 AMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s Not Real Football’ — Aaron Rodgers Makes Feelings Clear on Preseason Despite Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Wanting Him to Play
- 6:17 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Rodgers is leaning into his final year, except when it comes to playing in the preseason
"There was a time when the preseason felt like the Super Bowl to Aaron Rodgers. While the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is trying to soak in every moment of what he says will be his 22nd and final NFL training camp, he doesn't sound like someone who thinks he needs to be on the field when the Steelers host Green Bay in their exhibition opener on Thursday night. “It's not real football,” Rodgers said.
"Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to embark on his 22nd and final season in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers will end his illustrious career under coach Mike McCarthy, who coached him during his stint with the Green Bay Packers.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 1:34 AM‘It’s Not Real Football’ — Aaron Rodgers Makes Feelings Clear on Preseason Despite Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Wanting Him to Play
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to embark on his 22nd and final season in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers will end his illustrious career under coach Mike McCarthy, who coached him during his stint with the Green Bay Packers.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 6:17 PMAaron Rodgers is leaning into his final year, except when it comes to playing in the preseason
There was a time when the preseason felt like the Super Bowl to Aaron Rodgers. While the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is trying to soak in every moment of what he says will be his 22nd and final NFL training camp, he doesn't sound like someone who thinks he needs to be on the field when the Steelers host Green Bay in their exhibition opener on Thursday night. “It's not real football,” Rodgers said.
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