Aaron Rodgers’ Farewell Tour Continues with Steelers-Browns Matchup

Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers is winding down his NFL career, and his farewell tour carried on Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Cleveland Browns, a game that was expected to mark his last Thursday appearance. Unfortunately for Rodgers, it didn’t end as he might have hoped. The Browns managed to keep up their strong season with a victory over their AFC North foes.

Deshaun Watson, who has emerged as a contender for comeback player of the year, played well, completing passes for 268 yards and one touchdown.

Rodgers came into this game needing just one win to tie Tom Brady’s record of 14 Thursday Night Football victories. Meanwhile, the Steelers continued to struggle on the road, falling to 0-10 against AFC North teams.

He ended the night with 299 yards passing, three touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Steelers lost 27-24.

After Pittsburgh executed an 80-yard fourth-quarter drive to tie the game, Cleveland responded effectively. Watson led the Browns downfield, setting up a 56-yard field goal from Andre Szmyt to take the lead.

Rodgers had started Thursday Night games with a record of 13 wins and 7 losses, but the defeat dropped him to 13-8. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy now stands at 11-5 for Thursday games, having won four of his last five outings.

This matchup marked the 150th meeting between the two teams, which are separated by a mere 135 miles. Before the game, Rodgers shared, “I just suck it up for those three hours and then know you get a reward on the back end. I think it’s part of the game now because of the money that’s in it. I think I’m just excited about the weekend.”

The Browns improved to a 2-1 record for the first time since 2023 after this win, placing them at the top of the AFC North.

Both teams will benefit from some extra rest before Cleveland travels to face the New York Jets in Week 5, while the Steelers prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts on October 11.