Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers gives final answer on tension between him and Mike McCarthy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aaron Rodgers says the heated exchange was a positive
Tensions are often high in the NFL, and that’s especially true when teams are losing games. The Pittsburgh Steelers went up against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 1 and dropped the game, which wasn’t what quarterback Aaron Rodgers or head coach Mike McCarthy wanted to see happen.
During the game, there was a tense sideline moment between Rodgers and McCarthy. It was caught on the “Thursday Night Football” broadcast.
Rodgers had a hot mic moment, and McCarthy’s own heated words were also caught during the first quarter of the game. There were quite a few tense moments on the Steelers’ side that night, too.
Aaron Rodgers says the heated exchange was a positive
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rodgers opened up about that moment. He said that the outbursts and emotional exchanges between teammates were a good thing.
“I think it is a positive,” Rodgers said, according to ESPN. “Player-led teams are the best teams. I think anytime you’re seeing the fire and the passion from all those guys, it’s a good thing.”
Then, he talked about the McCarthy moment. When asked if everything was ironed out between the two, Rodgers quickly responded, “It’s always ironed out.”
That’s a relief, because it’s vital that a coach and his quarterback get along. That’s especially true for Rodgers and McCarthy, who have a history that goes back to their days together in Green Bay, where they won a championship.
McCarthy previously talked about that heated moment, too, saying that even though it wasn’t normal, “I think the reality of it is, you know, it’s a 20-year relationship. I think the fact that we were able to sit and talk numerous times, you know, over the weekend, about that and a number of things.”