Mike McCarthy had to walk back an explicit comment he made toward Aaron Rodgers during the Pittsburgh Steelers' matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

There seemed to be some miscommunication between the two parties during the first half. It angered Rodgers to the point that he yelled out an expletive towards the head coach. McCarthy wound up saying back-to-back expletives in response.

“What the f***? CALL IT,” Rodgers exclaimed.

“Fu**ing as*hole,” McCarthy replied.

McCarthy addressed those comments after the game, per reporter Chria Adamski. He set the record straight, stating he wished he wouldn't have used those words in response to Rodgers.

“What’s said on the field, stays on the field. Any negative communication said on my part I wish I wouldn’t have used those words,” McCarthy said.

Mike McCarthy on his televised exchange of curse words with Aaron Rodgers during the game:

“What’s said on the field, stays on the field. Any negative communication said on my part I wish I wouldn’t have used those words.” pic.twitter.com/b20o0kyOdA

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 2, 2026

How Aaron Rodgers, Steelers played against Browns

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Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy and the Steelers suffered an upset loss. The Browns defended homefield and pulled away with a 27-24 win over their division rivals.

Cleveland controlled the momentum for most of the game. Following Pittsburgh's first touchdown in the first quarter, the hosts fought back with 21 points in the second period and held onto the lead until the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh fought back 14 points in the last 15 minutes of regulation, tying with a field goal. However, their efforts were short-lived as Cleveland converted a go-ahead field goal to take the final lead of the night.

Rodgers had an active performance leading the offense in the unsuccessful rally. He completed 22 out of 40 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jaylen Warren led the run game with 17 carries for 93 yards while catching three passes for 33 yards. DK Metcalf topped receivers with five catches for 115 yards and Roman Wilson made three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth caught touchdown passes from Rodgers.

The Steelers will look to bounce back in their next matchup, being at home. They host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 as kickoff commences on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. ET.