Aaron Rodgers vs Mike McCarthy: QB erupts on sideline at Mike McCarthy before finishing Steelers drive
Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy appeared to clash again on Thursday Night Football.
By now, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy have played enough games together to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Even so, in their early days with the Steelers , they have appeared to be at odds at times.
Early in the 2026 season, Rodgers made comments about play calling that suggested the quarterback felt he needed to tell McCarthy how to run Pittsburgh's offense. With that unit among the NFL's lowest-scoring through three games, it hasn't all been pretty.
In Thursday night's matchup between the Browns and the Steelers , the two once again showed signs of tension: Rodgers appeared to scream expletives at his coach.
The argument between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy
The Steelers had a frustrating opening drive on "Thursday Night Football." It ended in a Roman Wilson touchdown , but it lasted about 10 minutes, with 17 plays and a seemingly endless string of penalties .
Before a 1st-and-10, Amazon's cameras focused on Pittsburgh's huddle. Rodgers was looking toward the sideline with his arms out to his sides, in a stance that indicated the play call hadn't come in yet.
"What the f***? CALL IT," Rodgers exclaimed.
"Fu**ing as*hole," McCarthy replied.
There are no deep-seated hard feelings between the two, given their history: McCarthy led the Packers to nine playoff appearances during Rodgers' time in Green Bay, including the 2010 Super Bowl title.
Still, Thursday's moment was the latest sign of communication problems between quarterback and coach, as the Steelers try to get their offense into a higher gear.
