The Packers and Steelers have never been big rivals. They've always been in different divisions or conferences and have only played each other 37 times in 92 years. The only major direct intersection between them was the Super Bowl 15 years ago; one of the best Super Bowls ever played.

The Aaron Rodgers angle does add to this game but there would be high interest in this one even if Pittsburgh was playing someone else at qb. The Packers and Steelers are simply two of the most respected and iconic franchises in major pro sports, let alone the NFL. This season, like their histories, have run along parallel tracks for the most part.

In the 1960s the Packers ruled the NFL, with 5 championships plus the first two Super Bowls. The Steelers were the "team of the decade" in the 1970s with 4 Super Bowl wins. Altogether 27 players from those two clubs of those decades plus the coaches Lombardi and Noll are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Since 1992 Green Bay and Pittsburgh are #1 and #2, respectively, in highest winning percentage and most total wins, and most seasons in the playoffs in the NFL. Each has played in 8 Conference Championship Games over that period. The Steelers have gone to the Super Bowl 4 times, the Packers 3 and each has won the Super Bowl twice.

The Packers hold two big "bragging points:" Super Bowl XLV and an overall 20-17 all time lead. Neither of those will change no matter what the outcome on Sunday night. I'm sure the network coverage of the game will have plenty of great historical moments to show for both clubs not only versus each other but in overall NFL history.