The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to sign Aaron Rodgers – now 42 years old – has seemingly reignited the veteran quarterback’s enthusiasm for the game.
The one-year, $13.65 million deal is about more than just money; it has given Rodgers a sense of appreciation and renewed joy as he navigates the preseason with his new team.
For Pittsburgh, the move brings a seasoned leader who knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl and has previously earned NFL MVP honors. That experience offers invaluable mentorship to a roster featuring numerous young players eager to learn from Rodgers throughout the 2025 campaign.
But beyond the on-field implications, much attention has turned to the relationship Rodgers has developed with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Reports out of training camp suggest the dynamic between them has been exceptional, a bond rooted in mutual respect and, unexpectedly, a sense of camaraderie.
Rodgers on Tomlin: “Mike T is the man.”
Speaking recently on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers reflected on his first interactions with Tomlin. The former Green Bay Packers star, who endured a turbulent stint with the New York Jets, described their early conversations as remarkably genuine.
Mike T is the man,” Rodgers said. “Any hate, disrespect, and ilk is complete and utter bull****. From Day 1, when we talked on the phone in the offseason, I was never talking to a head coach; I was talking to a friend. I respected the hell out of that. I have crazy respect for him… The surprise has been what a great dude he is. What a great leader he is, on top of what I’ve already expected, which was already high based on what I thought from afar.
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Rodgers has long admired Tomlin’s consistency; since taking over the Steelers, the coach has never posted a season below .500. Yet the challenge this year is more formidable: advancing past the early stages of the playoffs, something Pittsburgh failed to accomplish last season after being swept out by the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers have bolstered their roster in hopes of meeting that goal. The arrival of wide receiver DK Metcalf provides Rodgers with a premier target, while defensive reinforcements aim to keep the team competitive in the AFC’s grueling landscape.
The 2025 season opener carries extra weight for Rodgers, as Pittsburgh will face his former team, the New York Jets. That matchup serves as both a personal milestone and an early barometer for the Steelers’ revamped offense, offering the first real glimpse into whether this fresh partnership with Tomlin can deliver postseason success.
This could be the last season for Mike Tomlin if his team does not have a good season. It is time for the team and its coach to elevate the aspirations and goals, and most importantly, to achieve them. The team looks good for the season.
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