PITTSBURGH (WLUK) — The Green Bay Packers open the preseason Thursday night in Pittsburgh, where two of the most recognizable figures from the franchise’s recent history will be waiting on the opposite sideline.
Former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are reunited with the Steelers, years after the pair helped bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay with a victory in Super Bowl XLV.
For both, facing the Packers brings back plenty of memories.
“There’s no doubt about it,” McCarthy said. “Our history there is obviously long, and the success we had there, and obviously having a personal and professional connection to Green Bay, that’s part of my life.”
Rodgers, who is not expected to play Thursday night, said he had hoped the preseason matchup would give him another opportunity to return to Lambeau Field.
“When I heard that it was possible to play both of my former teams, I was really hoping that this one was going to be in Green Bay,” Rodgers said. “I was really bummed out that we weren’t at Lambeau for this one.”
While Rodgers is expected to watch from the sideline, his successor in Green Bay is expected to see the field.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur plans to play Jordan Love, although he has not committed to a specific number of snaps for his starting quarterback.
“I’d say it’s pretty fluid in regards to how many snaps,” LaFleur said. “But I do think there’s a lot of value for all our guys to just get mentally prepared to go play a game, whether it’s one play, whether it’s three plays, 10 plays, the whole game.”
Love spent the first three seasons of his NFL career behind Rodgers and said the four-time NFL MVP played an important role in his development.
“Nothing but great things to say about A-Rod and my time being behind him and watching him,” Love said. “Just how much I was able to develop and grow in my process, seeing him just doing the right stuff day in and day out, and just how consistent he was.”
LaFleur also praised McCarthy, whose career now includes stops with three of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love practice together. (WLUK)
“I’ve got so much respect for him,” LaFleur said. “First of all, how he’s always treated me, and secondly, just by what he’s accomplished here. And it’s pretty cool that when he got the Pittsburgh job, I’m like, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers. I mean, that’s pretty special.”
Beyond the reunion, Thursday’s game marks the first opportunity for players competing for roles and roster spots to make their case against another team.
Share how you’re backing the Pack this season here:
After weeks of training camp practices against familiar teammates, Bo Melton said he’s ready to see a different jersey across from him.
“We’re ready,” Melton said. “Man, I’m tired of going against the same cornerbacks, they know the plays by now. It’ll be good just to go against a different team, have a good time and treat it like gameday.”
The Packers and Steelers kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday in Pittsburgh.
Watch the FOX 11 Training Camp Report during FOX 11 News at Ten for a full breakdown of the preseason game.