Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Kyle Van Noy is usually a quiet body. He is a playmaker on the field, accumulating 21.5 sacks in his two seasons in Baltimore, but he dominates in a silent manner. However, the 34-year-old joined NFL Network’s “The Insiders” on Monday, and he let his competitive nature shine through.
Van Noy is one of the most experienced outside linebackers in the league. He has been through many battles against some of the league’s best quarterbacks, and one of those is new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While talking to NFL Insiders Mike Garafolo and Stacey Dales, Van Noy mentioned his history with Rodgers and is seeking revenge in 2025.
“It was back when I was in Detroit when I was playing inside linebacker. For whatever reason, the [defensive] coordinator wanted to go cover zero all game against Aaron Rodgers, and he caught us,” Van Noy said. “They ended up scoring a touchdown to Jordy Nelson, but he ended up walking by and tapping and telling me nice try. So I got to get him back for that.”
Kyle Van Noy can’t wait to welcome Aaron Rodgers to the AFC North
The AFC North is not only one of the most competitive divisions in football, but it might be the most physical. The yearly matchups between the fierce rivals usually make for primetime television, and the addition of Rodgers should bring a new level of competitiveness. Van Noy is ready, though.
The two-time Super Bowl champion is enjoying the best stretch of his career. In 2023, he began his Raven tenure with a nine-sack campaign. Last year, he followed that up with 12.5 sacks, the most he has ever had in his career and fourth-most in the NFL that season. He is aging like a fine wine and should continue this late-career surge in 2025.
Van Noy usually lets his play do the talking. However, he is a competitor, and as an experienced veteran, he has become focused on making game-changing plays. The signing of Rodgers might bring some of that fire out of Van Noy again, though.
With another veteran, who Van Noy has had high-octane battles with as a part of the NFC North joining the AFC North, the Ravens versus Steelers rivalry games should have some extra flair. The 2024 Pro Bowler spent three seasons facing off against Rodgers’ Green Bay Packers as a member of the Detroit Lions. The old rivalry between the two could reemerge in 2025, and maybe it will bring that youthful energy back to Van Noy’s game.
Regardless, the two veterans respect each other’s game. However, when they take the field, there should be some great battles in store, and with revenge on his mind, Van Noy could have another career year this upcoming season.