Marquez Valdes-Scantling credits Aaron Rodgers’ marriage for “one big difference” in Steelers QB’s demeanor from his Green Bay days

Aaron Rodgers has learned over the course of his career to go easy on his teammates. The quarterback had one of the most successful stints in the NFL’s history with the Green Bay Packers, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling noted he used to be fierce in the locker room before getting married.

The wide receiver, who's now with him at the Pittsburgh Steelers, joined Kimberley Martin on Sunday NFL Countdown ahead of Pittsburgh’s matchup with the Detroit Lions. He was asked about the key differences between Aaron Rodgers now and their days together in Green Bay.

“I asked Marquez Valdes-Scantling, his former receiver in Green Bay, about Rodgers," Martin said. "And MVS told me, 'Listen, he's the same guy, except there's one big difference. He's gotten a little soft. When I got to Green Bay, Rodgers was yelling at people. Not in a mean way, but holding them accountable. He still does that with the Steelers, but in a nicer tone. Maybe getting married, he's got a little softer side now.'"

Rodgers got married during the 2025 NFL offseason to a private woman named Brittani.

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Over his long career in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers has been known for holding his teammates and coaches accountable. The trait that hasn’t, however, always cast him in the most flattering light. The issue was exaggerated on a few occasions during his time with the New York Jets.

Nonetheless, the approach seemed to have worked out well for him, especially with the Packers. The quarterback won four NFL MVPs and won the Super Bowl during his days with Green Bay, making him one of the most successful players in the league's history.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling discusses winning the Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers

When Aaron Rodgers won the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Marquez Valdes-Scantling was still at high school. The wide receiver, however, still holds the dream of winning the league championship with the quarterback after they failed to do so together with the Packers.

"But the two of them have always talked about winning a Super Bowl together," Martin said. "MVS said, 'I would've bet everything back in 2020, 2021, and 2022 that we would win a Super Bowl, but now we have another chance."

According to the betting odds, the Steelers are +3300 to +4500 to win the Super Bowl. That implies a two to three percent probability of getting their hands on the Lombardi Trophy. Nonetheless, Aaron Rodgers and Marquez Valdes-Scantling won't give up on the goal to be champions on the same team.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf