Aaron Rodgers joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for the mandatory portion of their offseason training program.
Upon arriving at the New York Jets in 2023, Aaron Rodgers jokingly commented on their single Super Bowl trophy appearing “lonely”.
The Jets invested heavily in the four-time NFL MVP, anticipating a transformation into championship contenders. Their commitment was substantial.
However, the atmosphere surrounding Rodgers’ first day with the Steelers on Tuesday was markedly different.
Rodgers downplayed Super Bowl aspirations, echoing head coach Mike Tomlin’s sentiment of avoiding “bold predictions.”
This understated approach suits the 41-year-old as he embarks on his 21st, and potentially final, NFL season.
Released after a disappointing second season with the Jets, Rodgers spent months contemplating his future, even suggesting retirement remained a possibility in April.
Ultimately, he chose to continue playing, but not for legacy reasons. His 18 years with the Green Bay Packers have already cemented his Hall of Fame status as one of the NFL’s greats.
Despite lacking a second Super Bowl ring since his 2011 victory, Rodgers clarified that another championship isn’t his primary motivation.
Neither is financial gain. His one-year deal with Pittsburgh, valued at $13.65 million (£10 million), is among the NFL’s lowest for guaranteed starting quarterbacks.
His fitness remains a strength. While his first season with the Jets was hampered by a torn Achilles, he started every game in his second and currently reports feeling physically “good”.
His delayed arrival stemmed from personal matters, including, as revealed Tuesday, getting married. He’s now ready to refocus on football.
“My ego doesn’t necessitate continued playing,” he stated. “Many career and life decisions driven by ego, even if successful, prove unfulfilling. Soul-driven choices, however, tend to be fulfilling. This decision prioritizes my soul; it’s about the love of the game.”
Rodgers signs with Steelers, extending NFL career
Jets ‘failed as a team’ during Rodgers’ tenure – Williams
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation has been turbulent since two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement following the 2021 season.
Last season’s shared role between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, despite a promising start, ended with five consecutive losses and a first-round playoff exit.
Both departed—Fields replacing Rodgers at the Jets—leaving the Steelers with backups Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and sixth-round draft pick Will Howard.
The need for a seasoned starter was evident, paving the way for Rodgers, who maintained contact with coach Tomlin.
While some criticized Rodgers’ perceived influence over the Jets’ recruitment and game strategy, his initial remarks with the Steelers conveyed humility and faith in Tomlin.
“I aim to be a servant leader, sharing my knowledge and integrating with the team,” he added.
Rodgers, the NFL’s oldest active player, succeeds Roethlisberger as the Steelers’ oldest player ever.
After several quarterback experiments, Tomlin is banking on Rodgers’ experience and leadership. “Review his résumé,” he suggested.
Russell Wilson (left) and Justin Fields (center) have made way for Rodgers to work under Tomlin (right)
Pittsburgh’s six Super Bowl victories have often featured dominant defenses, a characteristic of their current team.
The Steelers bolstered their offense in March by acquiring Seattle receiver DK Metcalf, who trained with Rodgers in the offseason. However, they subsequently lost their leading receiver and running back from last season, George Pickens and Najee Harris.
While Rodgers’ statistics have declined since his consecutive MVP awards in 2020 and 2021, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith commented, “He’s still got something left, better than anything we’ve seen recently. Give them a chance.”
Ryan Clark, a member of Pittsburgh’s last Super Bowl-winning team in 2009, viewed Rodgers as “an upgrade, but no longer elite,” considering his arrival “a worst-case scenario.”
He and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky predict the Steelers will miss the playoffs but won’t perform poorly enough to secure an early draft pick, potentially hindering the acquisition of a franchise quarterback.
Tomlin, the NFL’s longest-tenured current head coach, boasts an 18-season record without a losing season. However, Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, was drafted by AFC rivals Kansas City in 2017.
A playoff victory, overcoming the challenge of the NFL’s toughest division, would undoubtedly validate the Tomlin-Rodgers partnership.
Scotland-Williamson on life at Steelers under coach Tomlin
Vikings to bring ‘best on the planet’ to Dublin
Rodgers stated in his Netflix documentary last year, “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone but myself.”
Yet, should this be his final NFL season, the schedule offers ample opportunities for redemption against past rivals.
The Steelers face the Jets in week one and host Ireland’s inaugural NFL game on September 28th against the Minnesota Vikings, rivals of Green Bay and one of three teams that considered Rodgers in the offseason.
Pittsburgh welcomes the Packers in week eight and will visit Green Bay’s divisional rivals, Chicago and Detroit.
Two elite quarterbacks reside in Pittsburgh’s AFC North division, meaning potential matchups against Lamar Jackson (Baltimore), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati), and last season’s MVP, Josh Allen (Buffalo).
“I simply want to enjoy myself,” Rodgers added. “I want to leave knowing I can still perform at a high level, playing well. If a championship follows, fantastic.”
This video can not be played
Watch: General Manager of NFL UK & Ireland Henry Hodgson says Croke Park game will be a ‘great match-up’
NFL fixtures and results
Get American Football news sent straight to your phone
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser