Future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers’ NFL farewell tour continued Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Cleveland Browns in what was scheduled to be his final Thursday night game.
The ending was not what Rodgers likely envisioned, as the Browns continued their strong start to the season with a victory over their AFC North rivals. Deshaun Watson, an early NFL comeback of the year candidate, was efficient, throwing for 268 yards and a touchdown.
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Rodgers entered the night one victory shy of tying Tom Brady’s record of 14 Thursday night wins, while Pittsburgh’s road struggles against AFC North opponents continued as the Steelers fell to 0-10 in such games.
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Rodgers finished with 299 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in Pittsburgh’s 27-24 loss.
Denzel Ward (21) of the Cleveland Browns, celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 1, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After the Steelers’ eight-play, 80-yard fourth-quarter drive tied the game at 24, the Browns answered with a seven-play possession of their own. Watson moved Cleveland into field-goal range before Andre Szmyt drilled a 56-yard kick to give the Browns a 27-24 lead.
Rodgers entered Thursday with a 13-7 record in Thursday Night games. The 27-24 loss dropped him to 13-8. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is 11-5 on Thursday nights, including wins in four of his past five games.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy looks on against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 1, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Thursday night also marked the 150th meeting of all-time between the rivals, which are separated by only 135 miles.
“I just suck it up for those three hours and then know you get a reward on the back end. I think it’s part of the game now because of the money that’s in it. I think I’m just excited about the weekend,” Rodgers told reporters before Thursday night’s game.
The Browns entered Week 4 with a 2-1 record for the first time since 2023. Thursday’s victory moved Cleveland into first place in the AFC North.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 1, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Both the Browns and Steelers will have extra rest before Cleveland visits the New York Jets in Week 5. The Steelers will return home to host the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.