Aaron Rodgers' Frustration and Uncertainty Are Causing Tensions in Steelers' Locker Room
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of a rough stretch after the 2025 season started out so great. They began the year with a record of 4-1, but now the group is 5-4 after going 1-3 in their last four games. The franchise's lead in the AFC North has dwindled down to just one game, and it is hard to imagine the Steelers are going to be able to hang onto the lead in the division with the Baltimore Ravens surging and the Cincinnati Bengals still within reach while Joe Burrow returns to practice. Tensions are clearly rising in Pittsburgh, but the group is going to have to manage that in order to get back in the win column.
There was obvious frustration on the field during Pittsburgh's most recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. The offense had just three points throughout most of the game, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers let his emotions be seen as there were multiple shots of him being disappointed with himself, or of him getting frustrated with teammates.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo spoke about this on Thursday during an episode of Good Morning Football, and he shared that things might not be on solid ground in Pittsburgh at the moment.
"Something's bothering me with the Steelers right now," Garafolo said. "Aaron Rodgers' reactions to his own teammates, to maybe himself, I don't know. There's been a lot of this. I don't love it, right? He strongly hinted that this could be his last NFL season. He hasn't really closed the door or solidified that. I'm not gonna pretend like I know what's going on in his head, but this leads me to believe the whole thing's just not on solid ground right now."
Everyone always overreacts whenever Rodgers acts in certain ways because the media has always attempted to paint him to be the villain, especially during the latter parts of his career with the New York Jets. He has been a great teammate and leader with the Steelers, but Garafolo pointed out that the veteran's reactions on Sunday night were notable, and not in a good way.
The national media jumps at every opportunity to paint Rodgers in a bad light it seems. It is not the best look in the world to be yelling at teammates on the field and whatnot, but that is what comes with playing football, especially quarterback. He is a 41-year old who won the league's MVP Award four times. It's hard to imagine his younger teammates take too much offense when he criticizes their play or voices his displeasure with a miscommunication.
Rodgers has earned the right to act the way he does on the field, but it probably doesn't come off as well during games when he is struggling. That was the case on Sunday night as the quarterback missed plenty of throws, which could be a reason things might be shaky in the locker room.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers' Future Still Up In The Air
Garafolo also spoke about whether or not Rodgers would be retiring in 2026 or returning to play. He is only on a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, so he would technically be a free agent again during the offseason. However, if he decided to play again, hopefully he would want to return to Pittsburgh. Garafolo spoke as if that pending decision was also causing issues, but that wouldn't make any sense as the entire organization and the entire roster knew that the 2025 season could probably be Rodgers' last.
Pittsburgh will look to get back in the win column against a poor defense on Sunday as the team faces the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11.
BREAKING: Raiders’ Geno Smith and Maxx Crosby Explosive Showdown on Practice Field: Tensions Erupt Ahead of Cowboys Game
Las Vegas, NV — As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their high-stakes Week 11 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, an unexpected storm erupted on the practice field, shaking up the team just days before the game. In a shocking display of frustration and rivalry, quarterback Geno Smith and defensive star Maxx Crosby reportedly clashed during a heated drill, with tensions running so high that teammates had to step in and break them apart.
"It got out of hand," Smith admitted after the altercation. "Maxx and I were both fired up, and things got intense. We’ve got a lot of passion for this game, but sometimes that can spill over. It’s all good now. We’re focused on Dallas."
The confrontation reportedly began when Smith, frustrated by Crosby’s pressure during a practice passing drill, voiced his displeasure. According to witnesses, the two exchanged heated words before getting face-to-face, their simmering frustrations over the team’s performance this season boiling over.
Teammates Forced to Intervene
"It was a tense moment," a source revealed. "Geno and Maxx are both fierce competitors, and when you’re pushing yourself that hard, sometimes tempers flare. It was just a practice, but it looked like it could escalate."
Ready for the Cowboys?
Despite the dramatic on-field confrontation, both Smith and Crosby are expected to be ready for their pivotal game against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Smith downplayed the significance of the incident, saying,
While the incident might have shaken up the team momentarily, it’s unclear whether this brief tension will affect the Raiders’ preparations. Can this fiery clash ignite a stronger sense of determination for the game, or will it prove to be a distraction?
