The second week of June brought the football world their first look at Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steeler.
“A big attraction was Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers told reporters on Tuesday following his first mandatory minicamp practice with the Steelers.
Tomlin was equally complimentary of Rodgers, a 20-year NFL veteran with a place all but reserved for him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
We’re excited about him being here,” Tomlin said of Rodgers on Tuesday.
Without Rodgers, the Steelers would have entered 2025 with a glaring concern under center.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers was first seen by the football world during the second week of June.
He signed a one-year, $13–6 million contract on Saturday, completing the partnership. However, it has also been developing for months.
It was the obvious choice for Rodgers.
Following his first required minicamp practice with the Steelers on Tuesday, Rodgers told reporters, “Mike Tomlin was a big attraction.”. Over the years, I’ve defied him. Some of the most interesting conversations I had in the game were with him, especially on the last Sunday when I called him, and whenever we spoke in March or April. He is a major factor in my presence, and I am thrilled to perform for him. “.”.
Rodgers, a 20-year NFL veteran who has a spot virtually guaranteed for him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, received similar praise from Tomlin.
Examine his resume. Regarding Rodgers on Tuesday, Tomlin stated, “We’re thrilled to have him here.”. He is thrilled to be present. However, we won’t make any audacious forecasts. We will put on our work boots and let our efforts speak for themselves. “.”.
The Steelers were worried that Rodgers might be behind schedule as they get ready for the 2025 season because he made them wait a long time—many would argue too long—before signing with them. Rodgers revealed on Tuesday that he “was dealing with a lot in” his “personal life” and that he now feels free to “give the guys his whole attention.”. “.”.
Tomlin is aware that a player with more experience than he had as head coach of Pittsburgh won’t be negatively impacted by missing May and June practices. For a player like Will Howard (2025 sixth-round pick) at this point in his career, June reps are far more crucial than for a player who has been doing it for 20 years, as Tomlin stated on Tuesday. “.”.
Additionally, Rodgers was still able to attend mandatory minicamp with his new teammates, including receiver DK Metcalf, with whom he had previously worked out this offseason, thanks to his signing.
“We must meet up in the west. Regarding Metcalf, Rodgers stated, “I’ve gone against him a number of times.”. “What truly excites me about him is his character, but he’s also big, athletic, quick, and has excellent hands and ball skills. I believe that he is a man of great character. In one of our first conversations, I was making fun of him when he said “yes sir” ten times. I asked, “Is that because I’m 41?” and he replied, “No, that’s how I talk.”. I simply enjoy his entire demeanor, mannerisms, and style of play on the field. “..”.
Rodgers is eager for his next chapter with the Steelers because of how well he adapted to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Tomlin’s already stellar coaching reputation. On Tuesday, he also disclosed that he got married this offseason. The Steelers’ renown, which the quarterback gushed about Tuesday, calling them one of “a few iconic franchises in the NFL” and adding that “there’s something special about this area,” doesn’t hurt either, nor does having Metcalf on the roster. “..”.
However, it’s reasonable to question why Rodgers, at 41, is still interested in playing after two difficult seasons with the Jets, including one that ended after four snaps because of an Achilles tear.
“I don’t require it.”. According to Rodgers, “I don’t need it to keep playing for my ego.”. “Even if they work out well, many of the decisions I’ve made in my life and career based solely on my ego have never satisfied me. However, the soul’s choices are typically quite satisfying. Therefore, this was the best choice for my soul. I wanted Coach T to be here with me. and I had the best opportunity here, along with the guys they got. I can’t wait to get here. “..”.
Rodgers is the leader of a group of quarterbacks that required a clear starter. Mason Rudolph, a seasoned veteran, is back in town, but he is followed by rookie Howard and lackluster backup Skylar Thompson. In the absence of Rodgers, the Steelers would have had serious concerns at the center going into 2025.
Tomlin is aware that his team is only as good as the room his quarterback occupies. After having to put it to the test in recent years, he has come to understand the value of quarterback depth. Tomlin has realized that he might not have the luxury of starting one quarterback in every game, whether it was in the final years of Ben Roethlisberger’s career, during Kenny Pickett’s tenure, or even last season when he switched from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson.
This is the reason the Steelers selected Howard, added Thompson, and brought back Rudolph. Building the strongest quarterback’s room behind Rodgers is their aim.
Rodgers is currently the star player at the top of the depth chart. In 2025, they’ll hope he wears black and gold and rises above the fold for all the right reasons.
