The NFL rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns has seen its fair share of dramatic moments, but few are as infamous as the incident involving defensive end Myles Garrett and quarterback Mason Rudolph on November 14, 2019. That night, Garrett infamously removed Rudolph's helmet and struck him with it, a moment that has since become a significant part of NFL history.
Fast forward to the present, and Rudolph, who remains with the Steelers after a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans, has expressed his relief that Garrett is no longer a part of the AFC North. Garrett was recently traded to the Los Angeles Rams, a move that Rudolph and his teammates welcome with open arms.
In a recent appearance on teammate Cam Heyward's podcast, Not Just Football, Rudolph shared his sentiments about Garrett's exit from the division. "As a Pittsburgh Steeler, I’m thrilled that he is no longer in the AFC North. I think [coach] Mike McCarthy’s fired up about that, I think [offensive coordinator] Brian Angelichio is fired up about that. I know our tackles are fired up about that... And the top of my frontal lobe, yes," he stated, highlighting the collective relief felt within the Steelers organization.
With Garrett now playing for the Rams, the Steelers will not face him during the regular season unless both teams reach the Super Bowl in 2026. This scenario, while possible, seems more favorable for one team over the other, given the current trajectories of both franchises.
Garrett's departure marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the AFC North, a division known for its fierce competition and physical play. The Steelers, who have a storied history in the league, are looking to capitalize on this change as they aim for a successful season. Rudolph's comments reflect a broader sentiment among the Steelers' roster, who are eager to focus on their own game without the looming presence of a player like Garrett, who has proven to be a game-changer.
As the NFL season progresses, the Steelers will undoubtedly keep their eyes on the competition, but for now, they can breathe a little easier knowing that one of their most formidable rivals has moved to a different division. The implications of Garrett's trade will be felt throughout the league, as teams adjust to the new landscape of the AFC North.
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