There's a quiet hope inside ESPN's headquarters that the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 season ends well before the Super Bowl. According to a report from Sportskeeda, some network insiders are crossing their fingers that Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers don't represent the AFC in Super Bowl 61. The reason? A Steelers appearance would create a logistical nightmare for ESPN, which is set to produce its first-ever Super Bowl this February.
The concern stems from Rodgers' long and public feud with the Worldwide Leader. The four-time MVP has repeatedly criticized ESPN's coverage, and his recent appearance on the 'Pat McAfee Show' only added fuel to the fire. During that segment, Rodgers invoked Dr. Anthony Fauci, slamming ESPN for its coverage of the 85-year-old's July Senate hearing.
"I'm going to plead the fifth," Rodgers said when asked about his mindset entering his final season. "Like that absolute coward, Tony Fauci. Absolute coward. Are you kidding me? You got a pardon, and you pleaded over a hundred times at the White House?"
He went on to question the network's priorities: "How much time did the network spend on that? How much time did they spend on my responses every week? On my vaccination status? On Taylor and Travis' wedding? Did they do even a minute on Tony Fauci?"
The comments drew a sharp retort from Fauci's lawyer, who urged Rodgers to stick to football. But the damage was done, and ESPN's apprehension is understandable. As The Athletic noted, "Looking ahead, on the minds of many at ESPN, is that most are crossing their fingers that the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t reach the Super Bowl."
Thankfully for the network, Pittsburgh is a longshot to make it that far. The Steelers are far from Super Bowl favorites in 2026, and the team has struggled to find consistency. But that hasn't stopped Rodgers from dreaming of one last dance. He has repeatedly stated that this is his final NFL season, and a magical playoff run would be the perfect send-off. The team's coach, Mike McCarthy, is already feeling the pressure, and a deep postseason push would only amplify the spotlight.
If the Steelers did somehow reach the big game, ESPN would face a unique challenge: covering a player who has openly criticized them and who might be reluctant to grant interviews or behind-the-scenes access. The network's first Super Bowl broadcast would suddenly become a minefield. But for now, ESPN can breathe easy. Pittsburgh's odds are long, and the more likely scenario is that Rodgers' final season ends without a Super Bowl appearance. Still, the storyline is one to watch as the season unfolds. For more on Rodgers' fiery relationship with the network, check out his accusations that ESPN buried a scandal, and his confirmation that 2026 is his last ride.
