Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss is making a habit of lighting up quarterbacks. Last year, it was the Giants' Jaxson Dart, whom Elliss crushed along the sideline before Dart had a chance to step out of bounds.
On Sunday, it was Aaron Rodgers. During the second quarter, Elliss blitzed unblocked off the edge and Rodgers never saw him coming. The result was a forced fumble, which both teams combined to comically kick backwards about 35 yards, setting up a 4th & 43.
Rodgers, impressively, actually got right up and seemed to be OK. He also said something to Elliss, which the veteran shared with WEEI's Jones & Keefe during his weekly Patriots Monday appearance. Listen to the full interview above.
OH MY CHRISTIAN ELLISS.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/C6fqoQHhrd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 20, 2026
"He was like, 'Hey, I'm 41. Don't ever hit me like that again,'" Elliss said.
Rodgers, for what it's worth, is actually 42. So, either he got his own age wrong or Elliss just misquoted him. Regardless, it was certainly a harder hit than anyone his age wants to be taking.
Elliss said he was also a little surprised to see Rodgers pop back up.
"He's a competitor, so he's fun to play against," Elliss said. "It was a fun game. It was a fun game. I'm surprised he got up, too."
Elliss and the Patriots defense ultimately held the Steelers to just three points in the 20-3 victory, and Rodgers finished with 187 yards passing on 39 attempts (4.8 yards per attempt).
What did Aaron Rodgers say to Christian Ellis after that HUGE hit yesterday?
"Hey, I'm 41. Don't ever hit me like that again." 😂 pic.twitter.com/OIZzVoSIzn
— WEEI (@WEEI) September 21, 2026
