Déjà Vu: Tomlin and Rodgers relive the 2021 viral “Smirk” moment on Sunday night

The last time Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers shared the field, they were grinning. Two veterans trying to outdo each other. In their 2021 meeting, Rodgers tried to put the Steelers on the field with 12 men and Tomlin rushed in to call a timeout and avoid the five-yard violation. A viral exchange ensued in which the two smiled and acknowledged each other, a mutual sign of respect.

Fast forward to Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium, and the same thing happened again. In the fourth quarter, Rodgers tried again to catch the Steelers with 12 men on the field. And again Tomlin came into play with the timeout.

This time, when Rodgers and the Jets were on the floor in the second half, it seemed like only Tomlin was enjoying the moment.

Here's a look at the original from three years ago.

What's particularly crazy is that the yard line was almost the same. The Steelers' 23 in 2021, their 25 in today's game.

Over the course of the year, Rodgers has discussed his high level of respect for Tomlin, while Tomlin has expressed the same. Two of the guys who have been in their job the longest in the league: Tomlin, the Steelers' head coach since 2007, and Rodgers, who was drafted in 2005.

While Rodgers and the Jets' offense got off to a solid start, it was Pittsburgh's defense that adjusted. Rodgers has been picked on twice, sacked once, pressured multiple times and the Jets have been shut out in the second half so far.

With Pittsburgh leading 30-15, Tomlin and the Steelers will go home smiling. Rodgers and the Jets will lick their wounds.