Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t come close to defeating the Houston Texans, and Aaron Rodgers wasn’t good enough at quarterback.
The future Hall of Famer could very well have played his last game in the NFL, and if so, it was a game to remember. Rodgers had no touchdowns and two turnovers leading directly to defensive touchdowns as the Texans dominated the fourth quarter of a 30-6 victory over the host Steelers on Monday night.
Afterwards, Rodgers would neither commit to another season nor to retirement.
“No, I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said. “I’m obviously disappointed. It’s been a fun year. A lot of adversity, but it’s been a great year.
“It’s disappointing to be sitting here when the season is over.”
In the loss, Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards with a quarterback rating of 50.8. His fumble early in the fourth quarter led to a 33-yard fumble return touchdown by Sheldon Rankins and a 17-6 deficit. With just under three minutes left, he was intercepted by Calen Bullock, who returned the pick 50 yards for a touchdown.
As part of his decision-making process, Rodgers, 42, explained that he simply needed to “step away and have the right conversations.”
Did he approach this match like his last?
“I’ve already answered that question, every game could be my last game.”
If Rodgers retires, he will finish his career as the highest-rated passer in NFL history, the most sacked and with the lowest interception percentage of a career. He would also retire a four-time MVP and a former Super Bowl champion.
The 21-year-old and 10-time Pro Bowl player has thrown for more than 66,000 yards with 527 touchdowns and 123 interceptions in 18 seasons in Green Bay, two seasons with the Jets and one season in Pittsburgh.
–Field level media
