Steelers coach Tomlin also had kind words for the rookie

AARON Rodgers has been spotted sending a touching eight-word message to Shedeur Sanders.

The 42-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback embraced Sanders, 23, after the Cleveland Browns‘ 13-6 win on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hugs Cleveland Browns star Shedeur Sanders

Rodgers had kind words for the NFL rookie

Rodgers congratulated the rookie after he guided the Browns to victory.

The pair hugged it out with Rodgers sharing a message for Sanders.

This was picked up by the NFL‘s cameras.

“I’m proud of you, happy for you man,” Rodgers said to Sanders.

It has been a rollercoaster first season in the NFL for the rookie Browns quarterback.

Sanders started the season as the franchise’s third-choice quarterback behind Joe Flacco, 40, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, 25.

He was forced to wait until Week 12 to make his first start for the Browns against the Las Vegas Raiders.

This move made Sanders the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the NFL this season.

Quarterback Sanders was spotted hugging his father Deion, 58, before leading the Browns to victory.

A standout performance from Sanders delivered the Browns just their third win of the 2025 NFL season.

President Donald Trump, 79, was among those who sent their congratulations to the rookie star.

But Sanders was forced to wait until Week 17 to record his second win in the NFL against the Steelers.

It was a full-circle moment for Rodgers after the veteran previously played against Sanders’ father during his rookie season.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, 53, also had kind words for the rising quarterback.

“Good job young man,” Tomlin said. “Stay up.”

The Steelers remain in playoff contention as they lead the AFC North ahead of the bottom-ranked Browns.

Sanders’ Browns will end their 2025 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Steelers will fight for a playoff position against the second placed Baltimore Ravens.