Thursday night’s Steelers-Bengals high-scoring affair delivered drama both on and off the scoreboard. Aaron Rodgers’ 68-yard touchdown gave the team a 31-30 lead with just 2:21 remaining. The veteran QB thought they were close to winning, and celebrated with his signature arm pump. What happened next went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Overexcited teammate Broderick Jones ran up behind Rodgers and tackled him to celebrate the TD. But the 41-year-old quarterback lost his control over Jones’ 311-pound body and fell to the ground hard.
Then, in frustration, he shoved Jones and shouted something at him that made him the villain on social media. Now, the 41-year-old finally opened up about the incident.
Aaron Rodgers Hilariously Warns Teammate Broderick Jones Who Tackled Him Mid-Celebration
The blindside hit came from Rodgers’ own protector, not a defender. Jones meant no harm from the heart, just pure adrenaline. But timing matters when you’re dealing with the league’s oldest player, especially one recovering from past injuries.
“Brod is always the first one to come find me after a play,” Rodgers said with a laugh. “It could be a first big pass down to D.K. [Metcalf] on third down, he’s coming and dapping me up. What you don’t see after the video is he’s coming over to me and shaking me and shaking me.”
“The only tackle I had the other night was Broderick.”
Aaron Rodgers said Jones is the first guy to celebrate with him after every big play and he loves his energy. but as he texted Jones, “I love everything you’re about, but also, I’m 41 — You can’t be tackling me like that.” pic.twitter.com/44eYhUUxRF
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 22, 2025
The QB didn’t hold back in his post-game text to Jones. “I love everything you’re about, but also, I’m 41—You can’t be tackling me like that.” Rodgers grinned with a light warning. “I love Brod, we had a couple laughs about it and I told him I’m getting him next. He better watch his back.”
Jones laughed off the viral moment, confirming the two are still tight. “We’re still joking about it. Yeah, he was a little mad, but it’s all right. It’s football. It gets intense. Still, no love lost.” The tackle even joked he might run it back, adding, “After he throws another touchdown, I might tackle him again”.
Seeing Rodgers laugh off the tense moment, his fans joined in on social media to praise their hero.
Fans React to Aaron Rodgers’ Playful Warning
The NFL internet had a field day with the celebration gone sideways. Many on social media appreciated Rodgers’ good-natured handling of the situation.
One fan wrote, “He needs to jump on Brod’s back and ride him off the field after every TD🤣”
Another added, “Rodgers out here reminding them this body’s under veteran warranty.”
A third claimed, “He love the energy, just not the medical bills that come with it.”
A fourth shared, “I dont understand why the media hates Aaron so much. This is a perfect answer. He compliments his teammates, responds to questions about his reaction, and he says it with a smile.”
The fifth remarked, “Rodgers genuinely seems to be enjoying his time as a Steeler. Would like to see him re-up in 2026.”
The sixth claimed, “Hate to admit this, but the man still has some aura.”
The celebration didn’t last long. Cincinnati pulled off a 33-31 upset behind Joe Flacco’s strong debut. Jones and the offensive line still did their job, keeping Rodgers upright with zero sacks.
The moment will fade once the Steelers win again, but for now, it’s locker room comedy and a reminder that even celebrations can be risky at 42.
