By admin 
After spending time together in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy began another chapter of their long partnership Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers opened their season with a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
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After the win, Rodgers gifted McCarthy the game ball to commemorate his first victory as Steelers head coach.
With the head coach being a Pittsburgh native, Rodgers explained why giving the ball to McCarthy carried added significance.
“Mike’s had a lot of wins, but it’s always special when it’s the first one at a place, and extra special when it’s the team you grew up cheering for and you grew up just on the other side of the river from the facility,” Rodgers said.
Aaron Rodgers spoke to the media after our win. @Acrisurepic.twitter.com/IwuZySHcJ9
– Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 13, 2026
Rodgers spent 13 seasons playing under McCarthy with the Green Bay Packers. Their reunion in Pittsburgh, which the coach addressed before the game, made Sunday’s milestone particularly emotional for the quarterback.
“[His] parents are still living in town, so super special to be able to do that. I was really honestly looking forward to that today as much as anything,” Rodgers said.
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During his postgame media availability, McCarthy
“First team ball, first win, so it’s obviously a special moment,” McCarthy said. “I really appreciate the guys. Appreciate Aaron and the kind words, and it’s time to move on to get team victories from here on.
“I’m not one for attention, so the homecoming’s been great, just glad to get this one under our belt.”
The opener also carried personal significance for Rodgers as the first game of his final NFL season, with the quarterback completing 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown against no interceptions in the victory.
“I’m very happy to be 1-0, and happy to get that first win off of Mike’s checklist and move on,” Rodgers said.
The Steelers will visit the New England Patriots next week, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 4:15 AM.