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There’s something about Aaron Rodgers that brings out a special kind of fire in Detroit Lions fans — and for good reason. For years, he tormented the Lions while under center for the Green Bay Packers, owning the NFC North and making life miserable in Detroit with highlight-reel plays and last-second heartbreakers.
But the tables may finally be turning.
Rodgers Heads to Pittsburgh… But at What Cost?
Rodgers, now 41, is gearing up for one last ride in the NFL, this time as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Lions fans probably wouldn’t mind never hearing his name again, the news offers one last chance for Detroit to get some long-awaited payback — and maybe enjoy watching Rodgers’ career hit a less-than-glamorous final chapter.
According to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, that’s exactly what might be in store. In a June 3 feature, Kay dropped a prediction that is music to the ears of Lions fans: Rodgers could be benched in 2025.
Yes, benched.
A Rough Forecast for No. 12
Kay, who listed Rodgers among five NFL quarterbacks likely to lose their starting jobs this season, didn’t mince words. “If the 41-year-old does elect to stave off retirement for at least one more year in a quest to make one more Super Bowl run, it’s likely going to be an ill-fated decision,” he wrote.
While Rodgers was technically healthy and started all 17 games during his last season with the Jets, his performance was a shadow of his former self. The magic that once shredded defenses in Green Bay didn’t quite carry over to New York — and it’s hard to imagine a major resurgence behind the Steelers’ shaky offensive line.
“The Steelers’ offensive line left a lot to be desired last year as well and didn’t make any significant upgrades in the offseason,” Kay added. “If Rodgers cannot summon the magic of his early career, they could opt to give Will Howard a fair shake in the latter stages of the campaign.”
Lions vs. Rodgers: One Last Showdown?
Here’s where it gets especially fun for Lions fans: Detroit plays Pittsburgh in December. The matchup offers a golden opportunity for the Lions to deliver one final blow to Rodgers’ legendary — but now fading — career.
And if he’s not even the starter by then? Well, that would be satisfying in its own right.
Rodgers’ Legacy, Lions’ Revenge
There’s no denying Rodgers is one of the all-time greats. But Detroit’s been on the receiving end of his brilliance for long enough. As he nears the end of the road, there’s a growing sense of poetic justice in seeing the Lions rise while Rodgers, once invincible, is now at risk of riding the bench.
It’s a new era in Detroit, and if Rodgers thought he could make one last statement — he may have picked the wrong division to try and do it against. Lions fans, get your popcorn ready. December can’t come soon enough.