It’s probably fair to say veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t have the best reputation around the league when he signed his one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The national narrative was Rodgers loved the drama. That seems particularly true after his long drawn-out free agency process.
Over the summer, though, Rodgers’ former quarterbacks coach and ex-teammates such as New York Jets running back Breece Hall defended the signal-caller. The Steelers appear to be seeing those who really know Rodgers are closer to truth about him than his public persona is.
“He’s been awesome for our team,” Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig said of Rodgers on The Arena this week, via Steelers Depot’s Jeremy Pike. “Just having that level of prestige in the locker room. His willingness to just share information on information with guys like me and rookies and guys, I mean, anybody, literally, anybody.
“He’s willing to share information with you to help you get better, help the team.”
“He’s been great. I feel like he’s having fun,” Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz said of Rodgers on his own podcast, via Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney. “It’s been cool.
“Someone said it earlier, I feel like it training camp someone said, ‘Guys wanna play for him.’ Like, they don’t wanna [expletive] because they know he’s a perfectionist. He wants that.”
Aaron Rodgers Leading Steelers to 3-1 Start
It’s not surprising Steelers players have a lot of praise for a quarterback who is 3-1 to begin his tenure with a new team. But given the organization went through a 5-1 start with Russell Wilson just last year, Steelers Nation should be careful not go get too excited about a handful of games.
Things can change quickly in the NFL, and there’s a lot of football left in 2025.
But Rodgers has led the Steelers to sole possession of first place in the AFC North after one month. He’s done that by providing a steady presence behind center.
Rodgers has completed 68.5% of his passes for 7.3 yards per attempt through four games. He’s also averaging two touchdown throws per week.
Entering Week 6, the Steelers are eighth in red-zone touchdown scoring percentage. That’s a big reason why the team is winning while opponents regularly have more yards.
Six of Rodgers’ touchdowns have come inside the red zone.
Rodgers Impressive as a Teammate
The 41-year-old quarterback appears to still have a little bit left in the tank. But that’s not what Steelers teammates mention when they address Rodgers.
The veteran is providing the leadership and mentorship Mike Tomlin and the organization hoped he would when they signed him.
According to Herbig, Rodgers helps everyone. In particular, Rodgers appeared to be a great mentor to rookie quarterback Will Howard during the summer.
“Being with Aaron the last couple of days is surreal. He couldn’t be a better guy,” Howard said, via WSYX ABC 6’s Kellyanne Stitts. “He has so much experience, and he’s been so willing to help me.
“It’s been an awesome transition.”
Rodgers could continue to grow his reputation inside the Steelers locker room with two more wins in five days over the next week. First, the team will host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Then, the Steelers will visit the Cincinnati Bengals on October 16.
Rodgers and his teammates can take firm control of the AFC North with a pair of wins.
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