Super Bowl XLV (February 6, 2011): Clay Matthews’ eyes fell on Luke Rodgers. Seeing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt glistening in the Packers quarterback’s brother’s hand, a brilliant idea struck the linebacker. Swiftly, he made his way through the crowd, tackling reporters and teammates, and snatched it right out of Luke’s hands. The task at hand, Clay realized, wouldn’t be easy, but it would sure be iconic. And so began his journey toward the presentation ceremony stage, tackling reporters and teammates AGAIN. As Clay inched closer, the NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers appeared deep in conversation with Terry Bradshaw. Confidently, Clay ran up and placed the object on his QB’s shoulders—creating one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history. The belt had reached its intended owner finally.

Mike Dubajic, an intern for WSCR 670 The Score in Chicago at the time, had reportedly purchased the item on WWE.com for $375. He had handed it to a security guard outside the quarterback’s hotel with a handwritten note. But, by the time the personnel knocked on the hotel room, the note had already been misplaced, and Aaron was nowhere to be found. Thankfully, Luke had taken it in, and later carried it to the AT&T Stadium. For months, the Packers star treated the memento as his own kid—he took it for interviews, events and even created a place for it in the family’s California home. Notably, this was not Rodgers’ only run-in with WWE.

In 2022, several reports stated that the promotion once had “serious internal discussion” about Rodgers appearing alongside Pat McAfee to combat Adam Cole and Undisputed Era. Well, that plan might not have come to fruition, but if you listen to Mike Florio, Rodgers might get to experience something similar, amid the veteran’s rumored link-up with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While there’s no confirmation if the move is happening, the Super Bowl champ might reach a decision about his Steelers future soon. And what better way to say YES! than with a bang? That’s exactly where Rodgers’ buddy McAfee can help. As things stand, the NFL punter-turned-broadcaster is set to have a live talk/comedy show at the PPG Arena in Pittsburgh on April 9 named Big Night Out with Pat McAfee and Friends—where the former Packers’ player could make an appearance.

On the March 23 episode of the NFL on NBC show, Mike Florio revealed how someone named “Nick” planted a certain possibility in his head. “One of the guys—who has a habit of sending me emails that teeter on the edge of the rude spectrum—he planted a seed yesterday that I hadn’t thought of. I’m embarrassed I hadn’t thought of this because it’s right there, hiding in plain sight. And I’m not going to act like it’s my own idea. This was from Nick…and it makes sense. If you have any concerns that the Steelers fan base is going to have trepidation about Aaron Rodgers, and it just so happens that Pat McAfee is going to have this event at the PPG Arena in Pittsburgh on April 9th. Doesn’t it make sense? For Rodgers to make a WWE-style entrance. Then and there with the music, and the lights, and the hype and everything, and everyone in the building, and the word trickles out, to all [of] Pittsburgh that Rodgers is here,” he said.

“That’s the best possible way to introduce him to the Steelers through this positive vibe of him showing up. It makes sense. He’s on the [Pat McAfee] show every week during football season, and they’re doing this event…and it’s only 15 days away. Doesn’t it make sense?…it makes too much sense that that’s where it gets announced,” Florio concluded.

While there are challenges that arise out of age and recent injuries, Aaron Rodgers played all 17 games. It’s a big sign of his mental fortitude. Being a vocal leader, the power of positivity manifolds with him, so Nick’s idea might make sense.

Right now, the Black and the Gold are without any premium quarterback. They traded Justin Fields to the NY Jets and released Russell Wilson. Therefore, once all terms are finalized, the player and franchise are ideally suited. But the HC Mike Tomlin will need results.

Top Comment by Billyboy327

It is a good start.. the fans will want a good qb, if he plays well, they will show the...more

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Debate

What’s the latest update with Aaron Rodgers?

As per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero earlier, the QB might be very close to reaching a decision soon. “Aaron just calls his own shots. My impression from talking to a lot of people involved is that people believe this answer is coming in the near term, maybe even within the next few days here.” 

Mike Florio, on the other hand, was certain: “Regardless, the signs are pointing to Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh for 2025. Could it change? Yes. Again, it’s a ‘safe bet’ it won’t.” Former wide receiver James Jones also theorized the same: “It’s too late because you already showed Aaron Rodgers, we are waiting on you. We done told all these quarterbacks. We done told Russell Wilson, no. We done lost out on all these quarterbacks. So, the only option left to do if you want to try to have a productive season is to bring in Aaron Rodgers. So you have to wait. You have to wait on Aaron Rodgers.”

Currently, the Steelers have already signed a backup, Mason Rudolph, but lack a starter. And looking at what most industry insiders are saying, looks like the 41-year-old looks set to don the black and gold very soon. What do you think?