After the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a narrow 28-27 win, Mike Williams made his feelings known on Instagram, calling out his former teammate, Aaron Rodgers. Williams, who joined the Steelers just before the trade deadline, made an instant impact in his debut game, catching a 32-yard, game-winning touchdown pass that electrified fans and showcased his potential in Pittsburgh. In his Instagram post, though, it was clear he wasn’t just celebrating the win. With hashtags like “#WholeLotta #WeBack #Redline,” Williams made a pointed reference to Rodgers’ recent criticism.
The “red line” hashtag was a jab at comments Rodgers made following a tough Jets loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Late in that game, Rodgers threw a deep pass intended for Williams, who unfortunately slipped, leading to an interception by Taron Johnson. The Jets, trailing by three, couldn’t regain possession, sealing their loss. In his post-game conference, Rodgers didn’t hold back, implying that Williams had run the wrong route. He explained, “Mike’s supposed to be down the red line. When I look back, he’s running an in-breaker.” This remark suggested that Williams’ misstep was to blame, adding tension between the two.
Following that game, Rodgers appeared to lose trust in Williams, targeting him only four times across the next three games. This strained dynamic may have contributed to the Jets’ decision to trade Williams, and Pittsburgh seized the chance to bring him on board. Williams’ swift touchdown with the Steelers served as a fresh start and a moment of redemption.
Interestingly, despite this rift, Rodgers showed some empathy when informed of Williams’ trade to Pittsburgh during a podcast appearance. He acknowledged Williams’ hard work in returning from an ACL injury, saying, “He worked his a*s off all offseason… A change of scenery can be great.” Rodgers even wished his former teammate well, though Williams’ Instagram post suggests he may not be feeling the same warmth.
The Steelers look to benefit from Williams’ fresh motivation, as he’s already made more end-zone appearances with his new team than he did during his time with the Jets. As the NFL season progresses, this trade may mark a pivotal point in both players’ careers, with Williams seemingly thriving as he leaves any bitterness behind on the red line.
