LATROBE, Pa. — When Mike McCarthy watched Aaron Rodgers in what seemed like his last career moments last January, he was deeply unsettled. Rodgers’ playoff game pick-six against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium was a hard hit for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCarthy reflected, “I thought that was it. Watching him, I felt sick—for him.” Rodgers himself was unwell entering the game due to flu-like symptoms, a fact that remained largely known only within the Steelers.
Rodgers recounted his ordeal during an interview at St. Vincent College, saying, “I wasn’t feeling good…probably because I was pale and looked bad.” Despite his condition, Rodgers insisted he recovered by kickoff, attributing the Steelers’ loss to the Texans’ strong defense.
Arthur Smith, a former Steelers offensive coordinator, confirmed, “There was never a question he was gonna play. But he looked terrible.” Attempts to channel Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” spirit did not succeed, but optimism remains as Rodgers eyes a more fitting conclusion to his career.
McCarthy’s recent hiring by the Steelers motivated Rodgers to reconsider retirement. A Pittsburgh native, McCarthy replaced Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after 19 years following the Texans defeat.
Rodgers elaborated, “Once he got hired, my mindset changed.” Their mutual excitement for this reunion marks an unexpected turn in their relationship, sometimes marked by tension in Green Bay. “Absence makes the heart grow much fonder,” Rodgers admitted.
McCarthy’s abrupt firing during the 2018 season left unresolved tension. However, a profound conversation at Lambeau Field in 2025 repaired their relationship. “We talked about everything,” Rodgers said, describing it as pivotal for them.
Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets highlighted his appreciation for McCarthy and the Packers. Disturbed by the Jets’ dysfunction, Rodgers joined the Steelers before the 2025 season, drawn by his ties to Tomlin.
Though Rodgers considered retiring after Pittsburgh’s loss, his continued focus is evident in his interaction with Steelers GM Omar Khan, where he suggested interviewing McCarthy, calling for old-school coaching appeal.
The possibility of signing with his hometown team intrigued McCarthy. Rodgers’ recommendation exceeded his expectations, resulting in McCarthy securing the coaching role. Their teamwork has since reignited, evident in training camp practices.
Rodgers expressed comfort with McCarthy’s coaching style, rooted in West Coast principles. “I’ve seen it all and can run this offense really well. I beat teams with my mind,” Rodgers stated confidently.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith praised Rodgers’ skills. “Watching him throw the football was like watching a master in action,” Smith noted.
Rodgers’ openness extends to his personal life, crediting his wife, Brittani, for encouraging reconciliation with his family. “She is the big impetus behind that,” Rodgers acknowledged, marking his wife as significant in his personal growth.
His professional relationship with McCarthy carries similar emotional weight. “Taking this final lap with him, it’s awesome. Doing it with him at the end of his career and mine at home in Pittsburgh is special,” McCarthy said.
Rodgers’ opportunity to conclude his career with a familiar collaborator at the helm persuaded him to continue. “The closing of my career with Mike in Pittsburgh feels full-circle,” he reflected, appreciating hearing McCarthy’s voice once more.