Aaron Rodgers gave NFL fans another reason to praise him after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 26-19 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While his late-game heroics helped Pittsburgh complete the comeback, a heartwarming moment with rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels also caught everyone’s attention.
Daniels, who stepped into Tampa Bay’s starting lineup following Baker Mayfield’s injury, grew up idolizing Rodgers. The young quarterback even had a poster of the veteran star on his bedroom wall as a kid. After Sunday’s game, Rodgers made sure to give Daniels a moment he would remember for life.
Aaron Rodgers’ Gesture Toward Jalon Daniels Draws Praise and Admiration
During their postgame conversation, Daniels appeared hesitant in asking Rodgers for his jersey. “I don’t want to be that guy, A-Rod, but…” Daniels said.
Rodgers understood what Daniels wanted and immediately agreed to send him his jersey. “I’m going to send it over,” he replied.
“Appreciate that, baby. Thank you,” Daniels said.
Rodgers then asked for Daniels’ jersey in return. “Yeah. Likewise. Hey, can I get that one?” “Yeah, I got you,” Daniels replied.
The interaction quickly gained attention on social media, with several NFL personalities praising Rodgers for making the moment special for the young quarterback.
NFL reporter Eli Berkovits shared his reaction, writing, “Jalon Daniels didn’t even have to ask… Aaron Rodgers is nothing like the media wishes he was.”
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NFL insider Jordan Schultz also praised the interaction, saying, “This postgame moment between Bucs rookie QB Jalon Daniels and Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is what sports are all about… Much respect to Rodgers for how he handled this.”
The Steeler Culture Podcast’s SteelTwins also defended Rodgers, writing, “All the narratives of A-Rod being a [expletive] are very incorrect. He’s the man.”
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NFL writer Jarrett Bailey was equally impressed, calling Rodgers “the absolute man” and describing his gesture as “Incredibly classy.”
PewterReport celebrated the moment with the message, “Awesome moment for Jalon Daniels!”
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Rodgers also joked about his longevity in the league during his postgame interview with CBS.
“Some of these kids are watching me when they were in diapers, so that’s how old I am. But I appreciate their respect. Super respectful guy,” Rodgers said of Daniels.
The postgame moment followed a dramatic afternoon at Raymond James Stadium. Pittsburgh trailed 16-3 heading into the fourth quarter before Rodgers and the offense found their rhythm.
Rodgers, who boasts a 68.8 PFN QB Impact Grade, connected with tight end Darnell Washington for a five-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers a much-needed spark. Pittsburgh then added three consecutive field goals to take a 19-16 lead.
Tampa Bay responded late in regulation. Kicker Chase McLaughlin drilled a 53-yard field goal with just eight seconds remaining, tying the game at 19-19 and forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Rodgers delivered the decisive pass to wide receiver Germie Bernard in the end zone, completing Pittsburgh’s comeback and securing a 26-19 victory. The win moved the Steelers to 4-2 on the season.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.