Wilbon Criticizes Media Coverage of Rodgers

Michael Wilbon has had enough of the constant buzz around Aaron Rodgers and took a stand about the media’s excessive focus on the quarterback.

As a seasoned co-host of ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption,” Wilbon didn’t hold back when discussing the 42-year-old Rodgers, who is reportedly making his way back to the Steelers. However, his strongest critiques were aimed at ESPN itself.

“He’s irrelevant,” Wilbon stated during ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday. “He’s overhyped. Now, I’m not dismissing his career. Aaron Rodgers is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and was a phenomenal quarterback. But right now? He’s got no relevance. Why does this network talk about him every single day like they’re waiting for the next Patrick Mahomes?”

Wilbon further emphasized that Rodgers hasn’t managed to keep up the same level of performance in his 40s, unlike athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady.

“When I see ‘Breaking News,’ I wonder what it could be. The only real breaking news about Aaron Rodgers would be if he announced his retirement. That’s news,” Wilbon continued. “The Steelers, let’s be real, are the third-best team in their division and probably won’t surpass Cincinnati or Baltimore this year. We should focus on the present, not just what Rodgers used to be.”

He expressed frustration at how every show—except for one—has been dominated by the Rodgers narrative. “I’m frustrated with our network. It sounds like I’m critical of Aaron Rodgers, but really, I’m criticizing the media. It’s all ‘Breaking News’ about Rodgers, but honestly, he’s irrelevant now,” he said.

In the 2025 season with the Steelers, Rodgers led the team to a 10-7 record and secured the AFC North title before suffering a 30-6 defeat against the Texans in the wild card round.

Rodgers, a four-time MVP who clinched a Super Bowl with the Packers around 15 years ago, ended the season with a 65.7% completion rate, accumulating 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 16 games.

However, in that playoff loss, he completed just 17 out of 33 passes for 146 yards and threw one interception.

Despite signing a one-year contract worth up to $25 million through 2026, reports indicate he is reconnecting with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who took over after longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin moved to NBC.