What happened: Aaron Rodgers became ill in the hours before Pittsburgh's first-round exit in January. He played until the final 2:39, when the decisive margin sent him to the bench.
Why it matters: The defeat ended Pittsburgh's season and preceded a coaching change that left Rodgers close to retirement. He returned for one final season after the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy.
By the numbers: The Texans won by 24 points despite committing three turnovers. Rodgers finished the 2025 season with 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
What to watch: Rodgers now enters the 2026 preseason ahead of his announced final NFL season.