Week 1 drama: NFL fines Will McDonald after sack celebration on Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers made his Pittsburgh Steelers debut one to remember, leading a 34-32 comeback win over the New York Jets in Week 1. The 40-year-old quarterback threw four touchdown passes and engineered a late rally capped by Chris Boswell’s 60-yard field goal, setting the tone for his new team.

But while Rodgers walked away with the spotlight, one Jets defender left with a fine.

McDonald hit with league punishment

Defensive end Will McDonald was flagged by the NFL after a controversial celebration in the third quarter. Following a sack on Rodgers, McDonald pretended to throw a grenade, a gesture the league deemed unsportsmanlike. The result: a $14,491 fine announced over the weekend.

MORE: Philadelphia Eagles CB Cooper DeJean fined after heated Cowboys incident

The penalty overshadowed what was otherwise an impressive showing for McDonald. He finished with two sacks, three quarterback hits, and a pair of tackles for loss. It continues a trend from his breakout 2024 campaign when he posted 10.5 sacks in 17 games.

Rodgers sets the bar in Pittsburgh

While the Jets left Week 1 in frustration, the Steelers left encouraged. Rodgers completed 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and looked comfortable despite heavy boos at MetLife Stadium. His poise in the fourth quarter showed exactly why Pittsburgh brought him in to guide a talented roster that believes it can contend immediately.

Now, the attention turns to Week 2, when Rodgers and the Steelers host the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Seattle dropped its opener to San Francisco and struggled to move the ball, which could open the door for another big night from Rodgers if his offensive line holds up.

Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on Fox.

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