After the Steelers’ 20-13 victory over the Falcons, Aaron Rodgers awarded Mike McCarthy the game ball. It was the Pittsburgh native’s debut.
“Mike’s had a lot of wins, but it’s always special when it’s the first one at a place, and extra special when it’s the team you grew up cheering for and you grew up just on the other side of the river from the facility,” Rodgers, who spent 13 seasons with McCarthy in Green Bay, said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “[His] parents are still living in town, so super
special to be able to do that. I was really honestly looking forward to that today as much as anything.”
McCarthy’s voice cracked with emotion, per Pryor, when asked about the gesture.
“First team ball, first win,” McCarthy said. “So it’s obviously a special moment. I really appreciate the guys. Appreciate Aaron and the kind words, and it’s time to move on to get team victories from here on. I’m not one for attention. So, the homecoming’s been great. I’m just glad to get this one under our belt.”
It was McCarthy’s 175th career victory. He is 175-112-2 with the Packers, Cowboys and now Steelers.