Aaron Rodgers concluded his night at Acrisure Stadium with a significant win, but the most poignant moments occurred after the final whistle. After the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins on “Monday Night Football,” Rodgers took time on the field to connect with two familiar figures: Zach Wilson and former Packers coach Joe Barry.
Cameras captured Rodgers sharing an embrace with Wilson at midfield, a moment that resonated deeply considering both quarterbacks” journeys. Wilson, who was once the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, expressed his happiness for Rodgers, stating, “Congrats, happy for ya.” Once seen as the future quarterback for the New York Jets, Wilson”s inconsistent performances led to his trade to the Denver Broncos in 2024 and then to the Dolphins the following season. Now facing Rodgers as an opponent, Wilson”s Miami team was knocked out of playoff contention by this loss.
Rodgers” connections did not end with Wilson. He also interacted with Barry, who was the defensive coordinator in Green Bay during Rodgers” final years with the Packers and is currently a linebackers coach and run game coordinator with Miami. Their exchange was warm, with Barry referring to Rodgers as “the greatest of all time,” a nod to their shared history despite the contrasting trajectories of their teams on that night.
Barry”s tenure in Green Bay was marked by both significant achievements and disappointing playoff exits. After being hired in February 2021, he led the Packers defense to a top-ten finish in yards allowed in his first year, despite missing key players like Za”Darius Smith and Jaire Alexander. His unit contributed to De”Vondre Campbell earning First-Team All-Pro honors and recorded a shutout against Russell Wilson for the first time in his career. However, postseason failures, including losses to the San Francisco 49ers where late defensive stops were crucial, haunted Barry, leading to his dismissal in January 2024 before he joined the Dolphins.
On the field this night, it was Rodgers who left the lasting impression. The veteran quarterback executed a measured and effective game, steering clear of turnovers and orchestrating four consecutive touchdown drives that spanned the end of the first half and the beginning of the second. The Steelers maintained a balanced attack, with Kenneth Gainwell providing both rushing and receiving support, while DK Metcalf and Marquez Valdes-Scantling contributed key touchdowns. Pittsburgh controlled the clock, finishing with a 33:33 advantage in time of possession, moving their record to 8-6 and keeping them in first place in the AFC North.
Conversely, Miami struggled to keep up in the chilly conditions, managing only three points through the majority of the game. Although Tua Tagovailoa connected with Darren Waller for two late scores, it was not enough to change the outcome, as the Dolphins were outpaced in plays and eliminated from playoff contention.
