Aaron Rodgers gets emotional after returning to the playoffs

Aaron Rodgers returns back to NFL playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season. and the moment clearly struck. Following Pittsburgh Steelers‘ a dramatic 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on sunday night, the 42-year-old field general offered a rare, candid insight into what the achievement meant to him after the winding final chapter of his career.

Rodgers was asked after the game if he watched Baltimore’s final possession of the nerve-wracking sequence that ultimately ended with rookie Tyler Loop misses a potential game-winner 44-yard field goal as time expired. His answer captured the tension of the moment and weight of the season.

“It sucks. That’s the worst part of this game. I’d rather have the ball in my hand. It’s pretty emotional, honestly. It’s been a great year,” Rodgers said during an interview with NBC Sports after the game.

Rodgers went on to explain why the moment carried extra mileage, given how long it had been since he last played meaningful January football.

“So I’m thankful for these guys and excited to go to the playoffs for the first time in a long time,” added the veteran quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers is back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season 🥲 pic.twitter.com/tjnzUMnIUM

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026

The win gave Pittsburgh the AFC North title and the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs, finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record. It also marked the Steelers’ first division crown since 2020 and pushed their longtime rivals without a postseason first time since 2021

The game itself was a roller coaster. The teams traded four lead changes in the final nine minutes, including five total in the fourth quarter. Rodgers delivered the clinching 26-yard touchdown run to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds remaining. Even then, drama ensued, as Chris Boswell missed his first extra point of the season, giving Baltimore one last chance.

That chance almost materialized after lamar jackson converted fourth-and-7 with a strikeout to Isaiah Likely, but Lupp’s miss sealed the outcome. Rodgers finished 31 of 47 for 294 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson threw for 238 yards, three scores and one interception.

Above the numbers, the night symbolized a stark contrast since Rodgers’ turbulent tenure with the New York Jets. Whether or not he will retire after this season remains uncertain, but his first and likely only year in Pittsburgh has already yielded something significant — faith, redemption and another shot at postseason glory.

Now, Rodgers and the Steelers are turning their attention forward, preparing host the Houston Texans (12-5) in the wild card round, with momentum and emotion firmly on their side.