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Steelers vs. Texans no-call on Aaron Rodgers deep ball to Calvin Austin sparks social media controversy

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones01/13/26brianjones_93

Aaron Rodgers‘ deep pass to Calvin Austin in the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans playoff game sparked an interesting conversation on social media. Fans did not like that pass interference was not called on the play, which happened late in the third quarter.

At the time of the play, the Steelers were down 7-6, and Rodgers attempted to get the Steelers back in the game with a deep pass to Austin. Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter was covering on the play and had his hands on Austin.

Some thought Lassiter should have been penalized for pass interference. However, Monday Night Football rules analyst Russel Yurk said the no-call was the right call.

“In that situation, they’re both playing the ball,” Yurk said on the ESPN broadcast. “Their feet tangled in that situation; that’s not a foul.”

Some fans did not agree with Yurk. One person wrote, “It’s pretty clear (and) obvious he grabs his (shoulder) and pulls. Not sure why the rules analyst thinks their feet tangled. I don’t think their feet even touched. Obvious PI.”

Another person added, “That’s pretty clearly a flag, and I’m sick of the ‘rules analyst’ just siding with the officials 95% of the time.” The play would have been big for the Steelers, who were struggling to score points at the time.

Mike Tomlin enjoys having Aaron Rodgers on the Steelers roster

Aaron Rodgers is back in the playoffs after being away for four years. He joined the Steelers this year and led the team to a 10-7 record and an AFC North championship. With Rodgers being 42 years old, his future in the NFL after the 2025 season is up in the air. But if he decides to play next season, the Steelers would like to have him back.

“I’ve admired him from afar for a long time, good to do it with him,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in his press conference after the Steelers defeated the Ravens to win the division. “This was the vision in the spring when we pursued him. That’s why you do business with a 41, 42-year-old guy — a been-there, done-that guy with a resume like his. He’s not only capable; he thrives in it. I think he put that on display tonight.”