Fans and analysts expressed surprise and concern after Aaron Rodgers was not included in FOX Sports’ ranking of the top 10 quarterbacks heading into the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, recently signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a major offseason move following an unsteady period with the New York Jets.
After struggling through an injury-shortened debut and a lackluster second year with the Jets, Rodgers aims to revitalize his career under coach Mike Tomlin. Many hope he can break the Steelers’ playoff drought, but questions about his health and current form remain.
Unexpected Exclusion from FOX Sports’ Quarterback Rankings
On Tuesday, NFL insider Dov Kleiman shared FOX Sports’ list of the top 10 quarterbacks expected to shine in the upcoming season, led by Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. Notably absent was Aaron Rodgers, which prompted a strong reaction from fans questioning the omission.
Supporters of Rodgers expressed disbelief across social media, with one fan posting a gift related to the quarterback as a rhetorical question on why he was overlooked. Other viewers debated the inclusion and ranking of other quarterbacks on the list.
“Wrong! Mahomes is #1. Look at his record against Josh Allen in the playoffs. Josh is very good and #2 in my book. Also where does Josh keep his Super Bowl rings,” one said.
—Anonymous fan
“Any list that does not have Bryce Young at 1 is automatically bunk. Sorry,” another commented.
—Anonymous fan
“Any list that include Dak is not legitmate,” one said.
—Anonymous fan
“Stop hyping Herbert up got damn yall do it every yr the man can’t even take his team to the playoffs,” another wrote.
—Anonymous fan
Rodgers’ Recent Struggles with the Jets and Upcoming Steelers Role
The previous season marked Rodgers’ return to the field after a season-ending injury on the Jets in Week 1 of his debut campaign. Over the last year, he passed for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns but could not lift the Jets from a disappointing 5-12 record. As a result, the Jets released him in February.
Now, Rodgers faces a new challenge to prove his value with the Steelers. His ability to stay healthy and maintain effective play will be seen as critical to Pittsburgh’s hopes of returning to postseason success.
Concerns Around Rodgers’ Health Before Steelers Debut
Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury in 2023, leading to uncertainty about his durability going forward. NFL analyst John Middlekauf recently expressed doubts about whether Rodgers can consistently stay on the field for a full season, which is considered vital for the Steelers’ playoff aspirations.
“When I look at Aaron Rodgers, to me, there are only two outcomes,” Middlekauf said (at 6:35) on the 3rd & Out podcast. “One: his body, in terms of his arm, is fine. He can still throw the ball. Maybe he doesn’t throw as well as when he was 30, but his arm strength relative to the rest of the NFL is still more than capable.”
—John Middlekauf, NFL Analyst
“So to me, it’s like – can he stay healthy for 17 games? Because if you told me right now that Aaron Rodgers starts all 17 games, I would say, ‘Yeah, I could see them being pretty good.'”
—John Middlekauf, NFL Analyst
At 41 years old, Rodgers will turn 42 in December and has suggested that this season with the Steelers could be his final one. Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, he indicated he plans to retire following this contract.
Implications of Rodgers’ Steelers Tenure and Future Outlook
The upcoming season carries significant weight for Rodgers and Pittsburgh alike. If Rodgers can overcome prior injuries and perform close to his peak level, he could greatly improve the Steelers’ chances of breaking their playoff drought. Conversely, health setbacks could limit his impact and prompt early conversations about the end of the quarterback‘s illustrious career.
Rodgers’ performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as the NFL evaluates whether this veteran MVP still possesses the skills and resilience needed to compete at the highest level. His Steelers debut represents a critical moment that may define the closing chapter of his professional journey.