Three years after ending his illustrious career in Wisconsin, Aaron Rodgers will suit up against his former team while wearing black and gold. Knowing he did not have the best ending to his 18-year service to the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers still does not view the Sunday matchup as a ‘revenge game.’ Instead, he reflected on the true breaking point that caused his split from the franchise.

“Obviously, would have loved to ride off in the sunset after a Super Bowl win, but that’s not the way the league goes sometimes,” Rodgers said Wednesday. “And I knew the writing was on the wall when Jordan [Love] was picked. And as a matter of time, I happened to win MVP the first two years he was with us.”

In many ways, Jordan Love‘s situation was similar to Aaron Rodgers. When the Packers signed A-Rod, they had Brett Favre, who was in his twilight years. When Love arrived, Rodgers was in red-hot form, but he knew the franchise will ultimately move on from him.

“I knew at some point there would be a change. And if I wanted to play, I’d probably have to be elsewhere. So I understand the situation,” he added while explaining it.

Back in 2020, the former Packers’ QB said he was surprised when he first heard about the draft selection. Still, Rodgers made it clear he had no problem with Love personally. He said he understood why the team wanted to plan for the future and was ready to work with Love, calling him “a good kid.”

Four years later, in 2024, Rodgers shared more about how he felt on that draft night in the Netflix documentary Aaron Rodgers: Enigma. He recalled watching the draft virtually during the COVID pandemic when his agent texted him one word, “Quarterback.” Rodgers said his reaction was, “No f—ing way.” He then poured himself a glass of tequila, sat back down, and realized there would be some tough conversations ahead.

Before that draft, Rodgers had appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and had said it would be “cool” if the Packers finally picked a wide receiver in the first round, since they hadn’t drafted a skill-position player that high in 15 years.

Now, it has become a full-circle moment. And he’s happy to move on.

Aaron Rodgers harbors no resentment against the Packers

Aaron Rodgers said this week that playing against the Green Bay Packers isn’t a “revenge game.”

“I don’t have any animosity toward the organization,” Rodgers said of the Sunday matchup. “Obviously, I wish that things have been better in our last year there. But I have a great relationship with a lot of people still in that organization.”

Having been in Wisconsin for 18 years, Rodgers led the team for 15 seasons and won a Super Bowl in 2010. But a trade to the NY Jets in 2023 opened the door for Jordan Love to take over as Green Bay’s new starter.

Rodgers said that even though the end was tough, he now looks back on his time with the Packers with appreciation. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, maybe,” he said. “I spent 18 years there, from 21 to 39, so I’m thankful for my time there.”

Rodgers admitted that playing against the Packers would feel more emotional if the game were in Green Bay, but since it’s in Pittsburgh, he sees it as just another big game.

After joining the Steelers in May, Rodgers has settled in quickly. He said Pittsburgh reminds him of Green Bay because both cities have loyal fans, long football traditions, and a family-like feeling.