‘Not Real Football’: Rodgers Dismisses Preseason Showdown vs. Packers
Aaron Rodgers Says Preseason Football Is "Not Real Football" — Here’s Why
Who Is Aaron Rodgers?
- Age: 42 years old
- Position: Quarterback (the player who throws the ball)
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (as of 2026)
- Fun Fact: He’s one of the most famous and successful quarterbacks in NFL history
What Did He Say About Preseason Games?
"It’s preseason. It’s not real football. So if I do, great. If not, great.”
Aaron Rodgers doesn’t think preseason games matter much. He told reporters that playing in them would be a waste of everyone’s time.
What Are Preseason Games? (ELI5)
Imagine before the real school year starts, your teacher lets you do practice worksheets that don’t count for grades. That’s basically what preseason games are for NFL teams:
- They happen before the real season starts
- Scores don’t count in the standings
- Coaches use them to test young players and try new plays
- Veterans (experienced players) often sit out to avoid getting hurt
Why Does Rodgers Think They’re a Waste?
1. Teams Don’t Run Real Plays
“Teams don’t run anything anymore. They just really don’t.”
In the regular season, teams use their best plays and strategies. In preseason, they keep things super simple — so opponents can’t study them later.
2. Joint Practices Used to Be Better — Now They’re Just Fights
Rodgers remembers when teams practiced together (joint practices) and actually showed new stuff. Now?
“It just turned into fights, and nobody showed anything.”
3. The Only Real Value: Seeing Young Players Under Pressure
He admits one good thing about preseason:
“It’s good to see guys with the pads on, under the lights, how they react to the nerves.”
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Key Takeaway:
Rodgers believes preseason is only useful for rookies and backups — not for superstars like him who already know how to play under pressure.
What Does Coach Mike McCarthy Want?
- Mike McCarthy = Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
- He wanted Rodgers to play 30–40 plays in preseason games
- That’s like asking a senior student to take a practice quiz they’ve already aced 100 times
Rodgers made it clear: he disagrees.
Numbered Summary: Why Rodgers Says “No Thanks” to Preseason
- Scores don’t count — it’s not real football
- Teams hide their real plays — nothing to learn
- Joint practices turned into fights — no useful work gets done
- Injury risk > reward — why risk getting hurt for a fake game?
- He’s already proven he can handle real pressure — no need for practice lights
Summary
Aaron Rodgers, a 42-year-old NFL legend, says preseason games aren’t “real football.” He thinks they’re mostly a waste of time for veteran players because teams don’t run real plays, joint practices have become chaotic, and the only real benefit is evaluating young players. His coach wanted him to play up to 40 snaps, but Rodgers is standing firm: if he plays, fine — if not, also fine.
FAQ
What is the NFL preseason?
A: A series of practice games before the real season starts. They don’t count toward playoff chances.
Why do teams play preseason games if they don’t count?
A: To evaluate rookies, test backups, and help players get used to game speed and contact.
Has Rodgers ever played in preseason before?
A: Yes, earlier in his career. But now, as a 20-year vet, he sees no point.
Could Rodgers get fined for skipping preseason?
A: No — veterans often sit out preseason with team approval. It’s standard practice.
Does this mean Rodgers isn’t committed to the Steelers?
A: Not at all. He’s just saying he doesn’t need practice games to be ready for the real ones.