Aaron Rodgers has revealed he was battling a serious flu-like illness before the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, offering new context behind the worst playoff performance of his NFL career.
Speaking to The Athletic after training camp practice on Saturday, Rodgers said he became ill just hours before kickoff. Despite the symptoms, he insisted the illness was no excuse for Pittsburgh’s 30-6 defeat.
“I wasn’t feeling good, and I actually came over to the team hotel, and they sent me home. [It was] probably because I was pale and looked like s***.” Rodgers said, via The Athletic.
In the hours leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round playoff exit to the Houston Texans last season, Aaron Rodgers was sick with flu-like symptoms.
Rodgers insisted that he’d recovered by kickoff, crediting the Texans’ ferocious defense for an epic effort, but the… pic.twitter.com/MgldeBpjKw
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 3, 2026
Rodgers dealt with a fever and vomiting before returning in time to play. However, he emphasized that he had recovered by kickoff and gave the flowers to Houston’s defense for dominating the game.
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Former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said Rodgers understated how sick he was, saying, “He’s definitely downplaying it.”
Smith added that, “There was never a question he was gonna play, and he’s never one to complain, but he looked terrible (before the game).”
Texans’ defense still deserved credit for defeating Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks into the tunnel after suffering a crushing 30-6 defeat by the Houston Texans during the NFL Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Rodgers finished the game with 146 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception, including a late pick-six that sealed the Texans’ victory. Pittsburgh managed only 175 total offensive yards in the lopsided defeat.
The four-time NFL MVP didn’t blame the illness for the result, but it was Houston’s defensive performance, which consistently pressured him throughout the night.
“I’m disappointed… it was such a fun year,” Rodgers said in January after the loss.
The loss ended what had been a successful first season in Pittsburgh. Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title after joining the franchise in 2025. His veteran leadership helped stabilize the offense and guide the team back into the playoffs.
Rodgers’ decision reinforces the mindset that has defined his career. Most veteran quarterbacks would have attempted to play under similar circumstances during the postseason. At the same time, the revelation explains why he appeared physically drained before kickoff and struggled to find his usual rhythm.
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Rodgers has since returned for what he has called his final NFL season after signing a one-year extension. Reuniting with head coach Mike McCarthy gives Pittsburgh another opportunity to build on last year’s division title and avoid another disappointing postseason finish.