Brief

Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers discuss heated sideline exchange after Steelers' loss

Both coach and quarterback offered apologies and blamed crowd noise for the miscommunication.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:06:19 GMT

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said he regrets his heated exchange with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first quarter of Thursday's 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, according to Bleacher Report.

What happened

The argument occurred early in the game when the score was still 0-0. Rodgers shouted toward the sideline while waiting for a play call on 1st and 10, and McCarthy responded with profanity that was captured on the Thursday Night Football broadcast.

What was said

McCarthy told reporters, "What's said on the field, the way I grew up in this game, usually stays on the field. That's not the case today. I understand that. Any negative communication on my part, I wish I wouldn't use those words." Rodgers added, "It was loud. So some of the calls, it was hard to hear, for sure."

Key facts

• The Steelers lost to the Browns 27-24. (bleacherreport.com)
• The heated exchange happened in the first quarter while the game was still scoreless. (bleacherreport.com)
• Mike McCarthy used profanity toward Aaron Rodgers during the exchange. (bleacherreport.com)
• Rodgers said crowd noise made it hard to hear play calls. (bleacherreport.com)

Sources

• [1] bleacherreport.com
• [2] nypost.com