Revenge is a common theme in NFL discourse, regardless of whether players and coaches want it to be. Week 1’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets presents a classic opportunity for such a dynamic to overshadow a contest.
It’s a meeting between Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields, after all. The two quarterbacks swapped teams this year, setting the scene for different expectations. Both clubs seem happy with their decisions.
Much has been made about Pittsburgh potentially upgrading. Rodgers is a future Hall of Fame man, whereas Fields is bordering on journeyman status. That naturally creates pessimism surrounding the latter, who lasted just one year in the Steel City.
Don’t mention that to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Mike Tomlin Sets Record Straight on Steelers Moving Past Justin Fields
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s game, Tomlin cleared the air. The Steelers didn’t give up on Fields, nor did he give up on them. It takes two to tango in a free agency scenario, and this instance saw both sides do what was best for them.
“You know, it’s free agency,” Tomlin said. “It was not only our decision, [but] it was his decision. It was mutual. There are a lot of moving parts in free agency. I wouldn’t present it in the manner in which you asked it.”
Tomlin then praised his former starting quarterback. He boasts one of football’s better toolboxes as far as rushing field generals are concerned.
“He’s unique, because he is who he is,” Tomlin said. “He’s stronger than most mobile quarterbacks. That’s a component of his game that I think is unique. He’s a really talented guy physically. He’s not easy to bring down. He’s got a real solid base about him, he’s big. So when I think about what might be different, I think about his unique physical skill set. In terms of schematics, I don’t know that the things that they do are going to be uniquely different from others. I think there are some global things people do in that area.”
Fields appeared in 10 games for Pittsburgh a season ago, making six starts. On the year, he went 106-for-161 passing with 1,106 yards and 5 touchdowns. He did so while posting the lowest interception rate (0.6%) of his career.
Despite that, it wasn’t enough to result in an offseason reunion. Fields moved on to New York, who Tomlin thinks is surely thinking about its familiarity with Rodgers. There’s a mutual respect entering Week 1.
Tomlin & Pittsburgh Confident in Aaron Rodgers Entering 2025-26 Season
The Steelers roughly know what success looks like. They’ve won double-digit games in consecutive seasons. They’ve made the playoffs plenty of times under Tomlin. Something they haven’t had recently, however, is capable quarterback play. The organization’s hope is Rodgers can help fix that and be better than Fields or Russell Wilson was in 2024-25.
Rodgers, like Pittsburgh, has a lot to prove. The expectation is to compete for a championship, not get bounced in the wild card round. Is Rodgers still that level of quarterback? A torn Achilles in 2023 and a solid, yet unspectacular return in 2024 didn’t answer that question. Heck, neither did his Green Bay Packers swan song in 2022.
It’s been several years since Rodgers played elite football. He’s adjusted to life with the Steelers with precision, though, while also being a great teammate by all accounts. With that in mind, making him a captain was a no-brainer decision for everyone involved.
“I don’t think anybody’s surprised by that,” Tomlin said. “Not only because of his resume and experience, but what he’s displayed since he’s been here in terms of being a great team guy and communicating and leading and sharing his experience and the lens through which he sees the game with others. It’s just been a good process. I don’t think that was earth-shattering, in any way, within our collective.”
Sunday’s game marks a first-time indicator of whether things worked out for the Steelers’ side or Fields’ side. The next measuring stick may not present itself until January.
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