Terry Bradshaw vs. Aaron Rodgers: Is It Harsh Criticism or a Long-Held Grudge?
Terry Bradshaw has never been shy about speaking his mind. But when it comes to Aaron Rodgers, his jabs have gone from occasional critiques to full-on personal digs—and his latest remarks might be the most cutting yet. Taking a swing at Rodgers’ character, Bradshaw recently said, “It would have been nice if he would have just come to the Naval Academy and learned how to be honest,” a not-so-subtle shot still echoing from Rodgers’ 2021 vaccine controversy.
Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw calls the team’s interest in Aaron Rodgers “a joke.” Said Bradshaw: “That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there.” https://t.co/yiYq4HfNiQ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 28, 2025
This isn’t a new rivalry. Bradshaw has been vocal about his disdain for Rodgers for years, calling out not just his actions, but now even mocking the idea of Rodgers playing for his beloved Steelers. When rumors flared that the Steelers might be interested in the 41-year-old quarterback, Bradshaw scoffed at the idea, calling it “a joke” and going as far as to say, “That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there.”
While his takedown was savage, Bradshaw also made a legitimate point—he believes the Steelers already had a promising option in Kenny Pickett. In Bradshaw’s eyes, the team failed Pickett more than Pickett failed the team. “They didn’t protect him,” he said. “They didn’t have weapons. He had no wide receivers to speak of.” Bradshaw sees the organization potentially giving Rodgers everything they didn’t give their own homegrown talent—and he’s not here for it.
The fanbase is torn. Some agree that Rodgers, whose time with the Jets fizzled in disappointment, doesn’t deserve a hero’s welcome in Pittsburgh. After all, the Jets moved on and signed Justin Fields, signaling their own doubts. Others think Bradshaw’s grudge is clouding his judgment and that his comments cross into bitterness rather than analysis.
Rodgers, for his part, hasn’t responded to Bradshaw’s digs, but he’s been linked to multiple franchises, including the Steelers. He even threw to DK Metcalf following a meeting with the team, keeping the rumor mill spinning. Steelers owner Art Rooney II has confirmed that they’re still waiting on Rodgers’ decision, but with each passing day, fan patience is thinning.
So, is Bradshaw right to protect his turf and call out what he sees as hypocrisy? Or is he simply unable to let go of a long-standing dislike?
Either way, this saga is far from over—and whether or not Rodgers lands in Pittsburgh, the war of words between two NFL legends is already in full swing.