The Pittsburgh Steelers just landed a future Hall of Famer. But it’s not just Aaron Rodgers’ arm they’re counting on — it’s his mindset.
After nearly three months of speculation, Rodgers finally gave the Steelers a green light, signing a one-year deal worth up to $19.5 million. He immediately becomes the undisputed QB1 in Pittsburgh, surrounded by a fascinating mix of veterans and youth: Mason Rudolph is back after a brief detour to Tennessee, Skylar Thompson joins the fold, and sixth-round rookie Will Howard rounds out the group.
But this new Steelers era isn’t just about what Rodgers will do on the field. It’s about what he’s willing to do off of it — something Ben Roethlisberger infamously wouldn’t when it mattered most.
Steelers fans remember 2018. Pittsburgh drafted Rudolph in the third round, and Roethlisberger didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat. It was awkward, cold, and undeniably distant. Meanwhile, Rodgers went through a similar situation in Green Bay when the Packers drafted Jordan Love in the first round. He wasn’t thrilled either — but things are different now. This time, the veteran QB is embracing the mentor role.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Rodgers made it clear: he’s not here just to win games. He’s here to build the future.
“Will is a good kid. We’ve gotten to talk a little bit. I thought he did really well today,” Rodgers said. “You know, he seems pretty bright, not too big for him… I’m gonna be with him every single day, in every single meeting. Found my seat next to him today in the offensive meeting — whether or not that sticks — right next to Will Howard. So I’m going to help him out as much as I can.”
That’s the kind of thing fans didn’t hear during Roethlisberger’s twilight years. Rodgers, now 41, knows his time is limited. But that hasn’t dampened his influence — if anything, it’s sharpened it. He’s all in, not just for Pittsburgh’s present, but for whoever holds the reins after him.
Howard, who led Ohio State to a national title before being taken 185th overall in this year’s draft, couldn’t ask for a better guide. The learning curve in the NFL is brutal, especially for late-round picks. But having Rodgers — a four-time MVP with decades of high-level experience — seated next to him in meetings? That’s an education no coaching staff can replicate.
Rodgers will make his Steelers debut on September 7, and it couldn’t be scripted better. He’ll take the field against his former team, the New York Jets, in a headline-dominating Week 1 matchup. As if that weren’t juicy enough, Justin Fields — now the Jets’ starter — will be lining up on the other side. Pittsburgh vs. New York. Rodgers vs. Fields. It’s all lining up for must-watch drama.
And here’s the thing: Rodgers may not be the MVP version of himself anymore, but he doesn’t need to be. This Steelers roster is ready to win now. D.K. Metcalf gives him a true No. 1 weapon. Jaylen Warren is a rising star in the backfield. Pat Freiermuth remains a reliable safety net. The offensive line is built to protect, and the defense? Still one of the best in the league.
All Rodgers has to do is steer the ship — and maybe, just maybe, help mold the next captain while he’s at it.
