The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads. As discussions swirl around potential quarterback options, including Kirk Cousins and Ohio State standout Kyle McCord in the 2025 NFL Draft, former Steelers Pro Bowler Ryan Clark has made his stance clear: he’s had enough of the Aaron Rodgers circus.
Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up, Clark didn’t hold back his frustration about the ongoing rumors surrounding the former MVP. “It makes me sick, to be honest,” he expressed. His concern centers on whether General Manager Omar Khan has any assurances from Rodgers that he’s ready to return to the field—and possibly don the black and gold. Clark feels that the situation has been poorly handled from the start, leaving the Steelers in a state of limbo.
The crux of Clark’s argument revolves around the notion that the Steelers should not be beholden to a player who hasn’t delivered for them. “To be waiting or to be held hostage by a former quarterback of the New York Jets, who has actually never done anything for you,” he remarked. His point raises an essential question: what has Aaron Rodgers truly accomplished in recent years that warrants such patience from the franchise?
There’s a clear sense of urgency for the Steelers, and Clark believes they need to take control of the narrative. It’s time to move forward without the uncertainty that Rodgers brings—especially considering his lackluster recent performances.
Adding to the drama, Rodgers himself has taken jabs at media personalities and the state of sports commentary in general. He lamented the shift in how sports highlights are packaged today, suggesting that today’s talking heads and their opinions overshadow genuine analysis. “The ‘SportsCenter’ of my youth… those guys made highlights so much fun,” Rodgers mused, contrasting that with what he perceives as a focus on commentary over substance.
Yet, for Clark, Rodgers’ critique of the media feels hypocritical. He pointedly shared, “My issue with him is you’re doing the exact same thing.” Clark highlights the irony in Rodgers’ position, criticizing others for being controversial while simultaneously leveraging the same tactics for his own relevance.
In a mixed metaphor of humor and disdain, Clark quipped, “This dude is a fraud. He can throw a football and that’s where it stops,” suggesting that once Rodgers’ on-field talent wanes, so does his value. The essence of Clark’s argument is clear: it’s time for the Steelers to stop waiting for a commitment from a player who has not proven himself recently, and instead, start focusing on a more promising future.
As the offseason unfolds and the Steelers weigh their options, the question remains whether they’ll shake off the Rodgers distractions and secure a quarterback who embodies the franchise’s aspirations and spirit. For fans and analysts alike, the stakes have never been higher.
