With an assist from Pat McAfee, rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop’s wish for Aaron Rodgers’ signature on a pair of game balls is coming true. After intercepting Rodgers twice Sunday night in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 37-15 victory against the New York Jets, Bishop kept the balls so he could commemorate his first two career picks. At his postgame press conference, Bishop said he was hoping Rodgers would find a way to sign the mementos.
That’s where McAfee intervened. On Rodgers’ weekly appearance on McAfee’s ESPN show, the Plum graduate played the role of intermediary. Rodgers agreed to put pen to leather.
“That’s a fellow Mountaineer looking out for me,” Bishop said, laughing. Bishop said the Steelers shipped the balls this week to the Jets equipment staff, and he expected to have them returned with Rodgers’ signature in a few days. “I obviously have a lot of respect for him,” Bishop said of Rodgers.
“He’s going to be in the Hall of Fame one day. To be able to get my first interceptions off him ..
. he’s being a good sport by signing them.” Bishop’s other wish, however, was not granted Wednesday.
He was a candidate to be named AFC defensive player of the week only to be bypassed in favor of Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton, who had eight tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and a 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a win against New Orleans. Bishop nearly returned his second interception for a touchdown, but he was tackled a yar.