This Weekend’s Steelers vs. Packers Clash Promises to Be Historic – Amid the Pressure of Legacy, a “Small Light” Emerges That QB Aaron Rodgers Calls “The Luck-Bringer – Symbol of Faith and Triumph.”

October 25, 2025 | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This weekend, as the lights blaze over Acrisure Stadium for the highly anticipated clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers, all eyes will be on Aaron Rodgers — the man standing on the brink of history. With a victory, he would become only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams. Yet amid the pressure of legacy, Rodgers has chosen to focus on something far more meaningful — a young boy who brought hope and belief back to the locker room.

That boy is Liam Carter, 13 years old, a patient at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, courageously battling a rare heart condition. Last week, Liam’s story went viral after his older brother shared a photo of him wearing Rodgers’ black-and-gold No. 8 Steelers jersey with the caption: “He still believes in 8 — no matter the team.”

When Rodgers saw the post, he didn’t hesitate to reach out.

“When I saw that smile — surrounded by hospital wires and IVs — I realized that kid has something we all need: faith,” Rodgers said. “It doesn’t matter which side of history you’re on. What matters is that you never stop believing in something better. Liam reminded me of that.”

Rodgers invited Liam and his family to attend this historic matchup at Acrisure Stadium — covering all expenses, from travel and lodging to front-row VIP seats. And when the city holds its breath as Rodgers walks out to face his former team, Liam will walk beside him during pre-game introductions.

“He’s our light in the middle of a tough season,” Rodgers shared after Friday’s practice. “This isn’t just a game to chase records. It’s a chance to prove that even when things get heavy, hope always finds a way. And this week, Liam is that hope.”

Liam’s mother says her son hasn’t been able to sleep since receiving the call.

“He keeps saying, ‘Mom, I get to walk out with Aaron Rodgers!’ He’s been counting down the days. I haven’t seen his eyes shine like that in months,” she said, fighting back tears.

As the Steelers prepare for one of the biggest games of their season, there’s a different kind of energy in the air — quieter, stronger, more inspired. For Rodgers, this moment isn’t just about cementing his place in NFL history; it’s about honoring a boy who taught him what victory truly means.

““People keep saying this is my chance to beat all 32 teams,” Rodgers said with a grin. “But honestly, if we can bring joy to that kid today — we’ve already won.People keep talking about how tough this season’s been,” Rodgers added, glancing toward the stands. “But sometimes, you don’t need a perfect game plan to turn things around. You just need a little light — that one spark that reminds you why you fight. For us, that light is Liam. He’s our luck-bringer, our symbol of hope and victory.”
He paused, gazing out toward the field. “They might call me a legend if we win tonight… but to me, he’s the real symbol of faith and triumph.”

A simple line — yet it silenced the entire room. And when Rodgers steps into the lights of Acrisure Stadium this Sunday, one can’t help but wonder: will that “small light” beside him spark a miracle in Pittsburgh?