{"id":963165,"date":"2026-08-03T14:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T14:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/963165\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T14:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T14:18:16","slug":"aaron-rodgers-says-he-battled-flu-like-illness-before-steelers-wild-card-loss-to-texans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/963165\/","title":{"rendered":"Aaron Rodgers says he battled flu-like illness before Steelers’ Wild Card loss to Texans"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aaron Rodgers<\/a> has revealed he was battling a serious flu-like illness before the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>\u2018 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, offering new context behind the worst playoff performance of his NFL<\/a> career.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 30-6 defeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t 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***.\u201d Rodgers said, via The Athletic.<\/p>\n

In the hours leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 first-round playoff exit to the Houston Texans last season, Aaron Rodgers was sick with flu-like symptoms.<\/p>\n

Rodgers insisted that he\u2019d recovered by kickoff, crediting the Texans\u2019 ferocious defense for an epic effort, but the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/MgldeBpjKw<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s defense for dominating the game.<\/p>\n

MORE: Great, one more season from the most annoying player in the NFL<\/a><\/p>\n

Former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said Rodgers understated how sick he was, saying, \u201cHe\u2019s definitely downplaying it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith added that, \u201cThere was never a question he was gonna play, and he\u2019s never one to complain, but he looked terrible (before the game).\u201d<\/p>\n

Texans\u2019 defense still deserved credit for defeating Steelers<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghPittsburgh 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.<\/p>\n

Rodgers finished the game with 146 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception, including a late pick-six that sealed the Texans\u2019 victory. Pittsburgh managed only 175 total offensive yards in the lopsided defeat.<\/p>\n

The four-time NFL MVP didn\u2019t blame the illness for the result, but it was Houston\u2019s defensive performance, which consistently pressured him throughout the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m disappointed\u2026 it was such a fun year,\u201d Rodgers said in January after the loss.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Rodgers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

MORE: Steelers best option following Aaron Rodgers\u2019 final season is obvious<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s division title and avoid another disappointing postseason finish.<\/p>\n

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