Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback, has criticized the NFL preseason, saying it is "not real football," and he appears reluctant to play against his former team in Pittsburgh's preseason opener.
The veteran signal-caller's comments come as the league prepares to begin its exhibition schedule. The first preseason game will be the NFL Hall of Fame Game, with all other teams starting their preseason in Week 1 on Thursday, Aug. 13, according to the league schedule. The NFL's 2025-27 season is just a few weeks away, and teams are already preparing to compete for division titles.
Rodgers, who joined the Steelers this season, is set to face his former team in the preseason opener, but he has made clear he is not eager to take the field. His remarks reflect a view held by some players that preseason games lack the intensity and stakes of the regular season. Still, these games serve an important role for teams as they evaluate their rosters and build readiness for the competitive season ahead.