Aaron Rodgers is widely seen as one of the greatest arm talents in NFL history, but his athleticism was also an important ingredient to his success throughout his four-MVP career with the Green Bay Packers.
In a recent interview with DJ Siddiqi of Ratings, NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and former Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher said Rodgers was the toughest opponent he ever faced, citing the quarterback’s mobility.
“(Rodgers) was one of the first guys who just moved around to manipulate the pocket and then
threw the ball down the field,” Urlacher said. “Most guys did that, and they would try to run. He didn’t do that. He just kind of moved around and threw the ball all the way down the damn field. He had a great arm, so he was just so hard to stop.”
The former NFC North rivals have long held mutual respect for each other. Urlacher compared Rodgers favorably against the other great passers of the 2010s.
“I played Peyton maybe two or three times, I think Tom (Brady) as well,” he said. “Aaron was the biggest pain in the ass. Like I said, the mobility, and we played well against them sometimes. He also had some great games against us.”
Now on the Steelers in his 40s, Rodgers’ arm hasn’t deteriorated much, as evidenced by his Hail Mary against the Bengals in 2025 that set the Next Gen Stats record for air yards (since at least 2017). His decline as a player has largely been the result of diminishing movement skills, and less of a desire to freelance like he did in his prime.
In 2025, Rodgers had the NFL’s fastest time to throw at 2.59 seconds, along with career lows (as a starter) for yards per completion (10.2) and, less surprisingly, rushing yards (61).
“I still think Aaron can play when he’s healthy. I think he’s two years removed now from the Achilles injury, or maybe three,” Urlacher said. “I have so much respect for him because of what he did when he was at his best. He’s a pain in the ass with his mobility and arm strength. He’s got a great arm and can still sling it. He doesn’t move as well. That’s just age. It happens to us when we get older, but they’re in a tough division.”
Urlacher said he thinks winning the AFC North would be a successful season for the Steelers, saying that the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will present challenges for Pittsburgh. However, he believes Rodgers has his eyes set on a loftier goal.
“I guarantee he wants nothing less than a Super Bowl,” Urlacher said of Rodgers. “Everyone thinks like that when you’re playing. If you don’t think you can win the Super Bowl, then why are you playing? I think in his mind it’ll be Super Bowl or bust.”
You can read Siddiqi’s full interview with Urlacher here.
