Steelers’ Cam Heyward gives Aaron Rodgers-Joe Flacco matchup hilarious nickname
The Pittsburgh Steelers locker room is never short on personality, and Cam Heyward proved that again this week with a viral quip about the upcoming AFC North showdown between Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco. The veteran defensive lineman dubbed Thursday night’s game between the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals the “Icy Hot Bowl,” capturing social media’s attention instantly.
During Rodgers’ press availability, Heyward interrupted from off-camera to coin the nickname, sparking laughter throughout the room. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the moment as Rodgers reflected on the rarity of facing another veteran still starting at this stage of his career.
“I think it’s great for all the old guys.”
The “Icy Hot Bowl” quickly became a trending topic, with fans and analysts joining in on the joke. Pryor’s post drew thousands of likes and reposts, turning Heyward’s offhand comment into one of the week’s most shared NFL clips.
The humor comes ahead of Thursday night’s primetime matchup, featuring Rodgers and the Steelers hosting the Bengals, led by Flacco. It’s just the third time in league history that two quarterbacks aged 40 or older will start against each other, adding a unique layer to the AFC North rivalry. Flacco was traded to Cincinnati just a week ago, on October 7, 2025, in a deal with the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals acquired him for a 2026 fifth-round pick after Joe Burrow was sidelined with a turf toe injury. As part of the trade, the Browns received Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick in return.
Beyond the laughs, the defensive tackle’s joke also reflects leadership and personality. Known for balancing intensity with levity, the 14-year veteran has become a respected voice in the locker room. His playful jab at two future Hall of Famers underscored mutual respect among NFL veterans who’ve outlasted most of their peers.
The “Icy Hot Bowl” nickname has since spread across media platforms, inspiring memes and highlight edits of both quarterbacks. For Heyward and the Steelers, it’s another reminder of how humor and camaraderie continue to define a veteran-driven team still focused on winning — even if it takes a little extra muscle rub to get through Thursday night.
Broncos Trade Pitch Lands $72 Million All-Pro ‘Wonder’ Before Deadline
The Denver Broncos could be open to exploring trade options at the deadline, according to head coach Sean Payton. And while Payton said that he did not have that on his mind after Week 6, a deal for
Davis is a two-time Pro Bowler, was a First Team All-Pro in 2019, and has four Second Team selections to his credit.
He also played under Payton on the
Heavy Sports Trade Proposal Sends Demario Davis From Saints to Broncos
GettyDemario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after making a tackle against the
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker listed the Broncos among the “possible fits” for seven players as the trade deadline approaches. Of those, three were linebackers, with Davis joining
This Heavy Sports trade proposal aims to reunite Davis and Payton in Denver, helping to solve a key issue for the Broncos.
Broncos
- Demario Davis
Saints get:
- 2026 fourth-round draft pick (via NOR)
Davis could be a fit with the Broncos for many reasons, including being the best value at LB.
Adams is a converted safety and, more importantly, a member of the Broncos’ AFC West rivals, the
Davis’ familiarity with Payton could also help the Broncos and the Saints reach an agreement before the deadline, with New Orleans 1-5 on the season.
Broncos Named Fitting Trade Deadline Destination for Demario Davis
GettyDemario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts while playing against the Arizona Cardinals.
Locker’s other potential fits for the Broncos before the trade deadline include Raiders wide receiver
However, linebacker is an underlying need for the NFL’s No. 2-ranked defense in Denver.
Davis is on an expiring two-year, $17.5 million contract, and he has earned $71.8 million in his 13-plus-season career. He has a $6.9 million cap hit this season.
“Davis has remained one of the league’s ageless wonders in 2025. Even at age 36, his 81.2 overall PFF grade ranks eighth among qualified linebackers. Although keeping up in coverage has proven a bit more of a liability, Davis is still a tremendous run defender, evidenced by his 90.5 PFF run-defense grade and 19 stops,”
“Even though the Saints have gone 22-35 over the last four years, they haven’t shown a willingness to part with veterans like Davis. Perhaps that will finally change with Davis in the last season of a two-year extension.”
Davis is on the Saints’ books for $14.3 million in 2026 due to a void year, complicating matters.
The trade deadline is on November 4 this year, giving the Broncos
Broncos’ LB Under Scrutiny Amid Dre Greenlaw’s Absence
According to Locker in his excerpt about Brooks, “look for the Broncos — who are 24th in PFF coverage grade at linebacker this year — to potentially add a player up the middle, especially with
Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos in free agency as part of a vaunted haul.
He is on injured reserve without a clear timetable for his return.
“Greenlaw, a stalwart the past six seasons with San Francisco, has yet to play this season due to a quad injury,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson wrote on October 13. “He is now eligible to come off injured reserve, but it remains uncertain when he will return.”
Without Greenlaw, Alex Singleton has been exposed in coverage, ranking 20th among all linebackers with at least 190 coverage snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Greenlaw’s fill-in, Justin Strnad, has been better than Singleton but still well below average.
Davis ranks eighth among that group. Greenlaw’s return should solve a lot of what ails the Broncos’ linebackers in coverage. But he has a history of injuries. Davis, who has missed two games in his career, could prove a wise trade investment for the
