“Down years for me are career years for other quarterbacks.” – Aaron Rodgers

The culture surrounding the NFL is obsessed with advanced statistics and highlight reels. For Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, winning takes precedent over everything.

Rodgers has no shortage of accomplishments and statistics to complement his mental age. With a Super Bowl win in the 2010 season, four NFL regular season MVP’s, 60,000 passing yards and 500 touchdowns, his resume is as decorated as it is dominant.

Sept. 11, 2023 was a day that changed the trajectory of Rodgers’s career. On the fourth snap of the opening game of the season, his Achilles tendon was torn after a Leonard Floyd sack. One year later, Rodgers, at age 40, finished eighth in passing yards, proving that elite quarterback play does not expire with age.

Rodgers isn’t alone in late-career success. Take Tom Brady, widely known as the greatest of all time. Brady retired at 45, but not before winning an MVP, a Super Bowl and a Superbowl MVP, all after turning 40. He threw for 27,000 yards with 193 touchdowns in that span. He even led the league in passing yards and touchdowns in 2021–he was 43. 

Rodgers may not match Brady’s trophy case, but his talent and longevity place him firmly among the NFL’s elite.

Before Rodgers signed with the Steelers, general manager Omar Khan attacked the offseason with a winner’s mentality. The Steelers invested over $250 million dollars, bolstering both sides of the ball—most notably with offensive additions like star wide receiver DK Metcalf and versatile tight end Jonnu Smith.  Metcalf brings freakish athleticism, while Smith provides multifunctionality within the offense. With these weapons, Rodgers is poised to generate numbers that rival, or even surpass, his final season with the New York Jets.

Even if Rodgers performs at a merely average level, Pittsburgh is built to exceed expectations thanks to its $150 million dollar defense. Although Pittsburgh parted ways with former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, they acquired superstar defensive back Jalen Ramsey. The Steelers boast depth across every level of their defense: Pro Bowlers, former All-Pros, Super Bowl champions and future Hall of Famers. Athleticism will impress, but knowledge will prosper.

Come February, Pittsburgh will reclaim its throne as the greatest franchise in NFL history–led by number 8 on a mission to reach number 7.