Many NFL fans are talking about Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s last season as if it were a Super Bowl run, but history may suggest otherwise.
Most of the time, NFL QBs do not get the Hollywood storybook ending, although Peyton Manning did, Tom Brady did (arguably), and John Elway did. Names like Brett Favre, Drew Brees, and Dan Marino tell a much different story.
What if a successful Hall of Fame-worthy career wasn’t one of winning a Super Bowl or bust, but instead of being healthy for the whole schedule, winning meaningful games, being North of 40 years old, getting Pittsburgh back into the playoffs, and leaving on his own terms?
For a couple of decades, Rodgers has been judged in simple terms: a Super Bowl title or a disappointing season. All of that made sense when he was winning a title with the Green Bay Packers and being atop the NFC North every year, but then joining the New York Jets made less sense, and now a Steelers team that still needs weapons surrounding Rodgers.
I do not think it is fair to evaluate him against the player that he was in 2011. No one expects Rodgers to throw for 46 touchdowns and win the MVP. The real question should be only whether he can continue to elevate this Steelers roster, which is capable of making a playoff appearance, but for now, that is it.
Aaron Rodgers final season doesn’t need to have a storybook ending. Of course, that is always the goal, but Steelers fans must temper expectations and enjoy watching a top-tier NFL QB who has ever played the game. At the same time, he was setting his team up for future expectations of old.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Why Aaron Rodgers’ last season may be more about legacy than winning
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