NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes officially ended with Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dolphins were ultimately unable to overcome their slow start to the regular season, and now more than a quarter century has passed since the franchise last celebrated a playoff victory. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sharp in the Week 15 finale, finishing the night with just four incompletions in the 28-15 victory.
While Rodgers’ efficient performance helped Pittsburgh maintain its first place in the AFC North, Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman sparked some discussion when he took issue with a second-half call the referees made that he called “ridiculous.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Troy Aikman before a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
The call in question surfaced in the third quarter. The Dolphins defense briefly appeared to stall on third down, but Miami’s effort was negated by a taunting penalty. Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks tackled Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth before the line for the win.
After delivering the big hit, Brooks stood up and momentarily stood over Freiermuth before the tight end stood up.
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMER TROY AIKMAN CRITICISES NILE LANDSCAPE, TRANSFER RULES AND LANE KIFFIN’S LSU MOVE
After Brooks turned away, he quickly turned around and briefly exchanged words with Freiermuth. The penalty flag gave the Steelers an automatic first down and allowed them to extend their drive.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
“If it’s a penalty against the Dolphins for taunting after the play, it’s going to be incredible,” said Aikman, an NFL analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcasts, moments after noticing the referees throwing a flag.
“Personally, I didn’t see anything after the play,” Aikman continued. “But we’re going to take a look at it and see if we can’t follow it. I know the official who threw the flag, he was quite far away.”
ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk defended the officials’ decision, noting that the league’s competition committee provided “a point of clarification and emphasis” when it comes to players hovering over an opponent.
“Yeah, Troy, that was number 20 standing over him. That’s a point of clarification and emphasis from the competition committee. They want that called, they’ve asked the officials to do that.”
“It’s ridiculous. I mean, it’s not a big deal. It’s not a big deal at all in my opinion. I don’t know. I think it’s a terrible call. And I’m not excusing this behavior. Just don’t think there’s enough of it.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) gets away from Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)
The Steelers then scored on another drive after picking up a first down via penalty. The Dolphins had won four straight Monday night, but the loss to Pittsburgh dropped Miami’s record to 6-8.
