Justin Fields Confirms Taking Over Jets Leadership as Aaron Rodgers Admits Past Mistakes at Steelers

“I don’t think I played good enough, if I’m being real with you. If I’m being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough I don’t think there would be any sort of ‘who should be playing, who should not.'” While taking full accountability, this is how Justin Fields summed up his performance for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in a new season with the same mentality to see himself at his best, Fields has naturally fallen into a leadership role with a team in desperate need of one, the New York Jets.

Since he arrived in the New York locker room, Fields has established himself as a prominent name. Aside from his outstanding abilities as a quarterback, Fields’ leadership ability has also been recognized. Talking about the Georgian, head coach of the Jets, Aaron Glenn said, “Yes, he is a quiet voice, but that quiet voice doesn’t mean people don’t hear him. People see the way he works, that speaks more than what you say… He’s himself and authentic. I’d rather have that than somebody fake.” 

And this belief in Fields has blossomed the QB, readying him for the confident and strong role of being the leader of the New York Jets. On a post shared on X by the Jets’ official channel, Justin stepped up in front of the media and said, “It’s been good, it’s been good for sure. Kinda had a feeling when I got here, you know, guys were looking for a leader to step up on the offence. And I was glad to, you know, receive that role, and of course we are pushing the guys each and every day to be our best, playing to our standards.” With the poised, calm sentences, he confirmed that he has indeed taken over the Jets’ leadership.

.@justnfields on how his leadership role has developed since joining the team. pic.twitter.com/eEm2q5kmDO

— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 11, 2025

For coach Glenn, Fields is the perfect leader for the Jets. “Quiet confidence… big arm… understands how to run an offense… really intelligent person.” This is what he has to say about Fields. And his stats justify the excitement around him. Justin Fields had a total of six starts during the 2024 season. He showcased real growth, combining efficient passing with explosive rushing ability. He completed 106 of 161 pass attempts for 1,106 yards, with 5 touchdowns and just 1 interception, resulting in a 65.8% completion rate, 6.9 yards per attempt, and a 93.3 passer rating. Furthermore, on the ground, Fields carried the ball 62 times for 289 yards (averaging 4.7 yards per carry) and scored 5 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating both designed and improvised playmaking.

On the other side of this development, a legend of New York, Aaron Rodgers’ recent high-profile departure from the Jets to the Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t just a flashy move. It’s a decision made in search of direction; the quarterback isn’t seeking one last payday, but rather redemption. Rodgers has openly acknowledged that his journey through New York left him grappling with decisions driven by ego, and now, in Pittsburgh, he’s determined to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Aaron Rodgers talks about his next chapter in Pittsburgh

Behind the performances and flashes of popularity, Aaron Rodgers’ locker-room style sparked tension. Many of his teammates found his off-field focus and media appearances alienating. Reports surfaced of friction due to his frequent Pat McAfee Show spots and absences during training camp. Conflicting accounts emerged: some teammates felt uplifted, yet others said his demeanor and external distractions made him feel ‘above’ the rest, fracturing the locker-room unity. 

However, heading into the new season with a new team, Rodgers has high hopes for himself. While speaking at the Steelers minicamp, Rodgers said, “I don’t need it for my ego. I don’t need it to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling, but the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.”

He further added, “So this was a decision that was best for my soul and I felt like being here with Coach T and the guys that they’ve got here, and the opportunity here was the best for me, and I’m excited to be here.” The candid admission marked a departure from his high-profile and often scrutinized tenure in New York. Rodgers explained that his move to Pittsburgh wasn’t about chasing headlines or even about keeping his playing career alive. But finding alignment with the Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, and a team that felt right for him.

Both Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers are at very contrasting phases of their lives. Yet, both, one through the calls of expectations and the other through the call of his voice to prove himself, have to stand up to the task and deliver. For both of them, the stakes are higher than before. Fields wants to begin a glorious journey as the leader of the Jets, and Rodgers wants the perfect ending as the veteran for the Steelers.

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