Sophia
PITTSBURGH, PA – September 24, 2025 – In his 21st NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers finds himself in an unfamiliar, and frankly, unwelcome, piece of equipment. Forced to abandon his long-favored helmet due to new NFL regulations, Rodgers isn’t mincing words about his replacement.
“I hate it, hate it,” Rodgers declared on Wednesday, his frustration palpable as he discussed the new headgear he’s been sporting for three weeks.
A Banned Favorite and Lingering Frustration
For years, Rodgers relied on the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, a helmet that he credits with his concussion-free record. Now, that model is on the NFL’s banned list, a decision the 41-year-old signal-caller still struggles to comprehend.
“I wore (the old model) last year, no concussions,” Rodgers stated. “Some arbitrary ruling made it obsolete. I should have pushed it more, petitioned the league to let me wear it one more time.”
His primary complaint? The aesthetics. The new, approved helmet is noticeably larger and rounder, a stark contrast to the sleek fit he preferred.
The veteran quarterback experienced a moment of nostalgia last weekend in New England. After throwing his 509th career touchdown pass – a historic toss to DK Metcalf that elevated him past former teammate Brett Favre into fourth on the NFL’s career list – Rodgers caught a glimpse of his old self on the videoboard.
“It was a picture of me from 2012,” Rodgers recounted. “I said, ‘Look at that. Helmet fits perfect. Tiny little ear pads. Face mask in the perfect spot.'”
Adaptability and “The New New”
Despite his distaste for the new helmet, Rodgers, now on his third team in four years, is a master of adaptability. He’s embracing what he’s dubbed “the new new,” recognizing that wearing the approved helmet is a prerequisite for doing the job he loves.
While acknowledging room for personal improvement, Rodgers is notably upbeat about the Steelers’ 2-1 start and the efficiency of their offense, even if it hasn’t always been pretty. This positive outlook is particularly relevant as Pittsburgh prepares for an overseas trip to Dublin, Ireland, to face the 2-1 Minnesota Vikings.
“I can play better, for sure,” said Rodgers, whose seven touchdown passes are tied for second in the league through three weeks. “You know, it’s just about sometimes you just have to take what the defense gives you and be comfortable with that. Some of our best plays is just getting the ball into our playmaker’s hands and letting them go. So I just need to be disciplined like I usually am and get the ball to the guys.”
Offensive Efficiency Amidst Challenges
The Steelers’ 2-1 record is particularly impressive given they’ve been outgained by over 400 yards through three games. Yet, they sit tied with the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals for first place in the AFC North. A key factor in their success: Pittsburgh has converted an impressive seven of eight red-zone trips into touchdowns, the second-best red zone touchdown rate in the league, trailing only Philadelphia.
“We’re figuring it out,” Rodgers said. “It hasn’t been the prettiest at times. But the good thing is, our defense played the way they want to play last week and we made just enough plays to win. So at this point, it’s about winning. The chemistry is there, the continuity, the belief in each other is there. It’s just going out and executing.”
Facing Flores and Viking Defenses
The upcoming matchup against the Vikings presents a significant challenge. Minnesota boasts one of the league’s top defenses, orchestrated by coordinator Brian Flores. Flores, who served as an assistant in Pittsburgh in 2022 after his tenure as head coach in Miami, is renowned for his ability to keep opposing quarterbacks off balance. Rodgers, who has witnessed nearly everything in his two decades in the league, recognizes the unique test awaiting them at Croke Park.
No Viking Detour for Rodgers
Rodgers also addressed reports suggesting he might have ended up on the Vikings’ sideline for the NFL’s inaugural regular-season game in Ireland. Asked about approaching Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell – a longtime friend and occasional workout partner – about signing with the Vikings instead of Pittsburgh, Rodgers demurred.
“I’ve known him forever, we’ve been friends forever, and we keep in touch,” Rodgers said of O’Connell. “He’s one of the guys I keep in contact with. Things never progressed farther than catch-up conversations. And I’ll leave it at that.”
The Steelers’ journey to Dublin promises to be a fascinating chapter in their season, with a reluctant Rodgers leading an efficient offense against a formidable defense, all while navigating the challenges of his “new new” helmet.
For more insights into NFL player safety and equipment regulations, visit the official NFL website.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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