Steelers Legend Terry Bradshaw Absolutely Rips Mike Tomlin Over Aaron Rodgers Drama: "Chew On Bark"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in a saga all offseason long surrounding 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers have based their entire offseason plans and adjustments off of the fact that Rodgers is coming. Many feel like he will end up being the Steelers' starting quarterback for the 2025 season. However, Rodgers has refused to publicly let his plans be known fully, keeping the organization and fan base in a state of uncertainty.

Former Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw joined former Chicago Bears right tackle Dan Hampton on the Morning Mayhem podcast. Bradshaw made it clear where he stands on the Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers, slamming the organization. His comments added fuel to an already polarizing debate, as many within Steeler Nation are split on whether the franchise should go all-in on a veteran quarterback with an unclear future.

Bradshaw's criticism highlights the growing tension around the team’s direction at quarterback. With Rodgers yet to commit and the Steelers having arguably built their offseason around him, questions are beginning to mount about whether the organization made the right decision. As the 2025 season approaches, the Steelers remain caught in a high-stakes waiting game.

"That's a joke," Bradshaw said. "That is to me just a joke. What are you going to do? Bring him in for one year? Are you kidding me? That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark. Whisper to the gods out there."

Hampton told Bradshaw that he had heard Rodgers is eventually going to join the Steelers. While Rodgers has done little to quiet the rumors, he has yet to make his intentions clear, leaving everyone to assume and believe he’s headed to Pittsburgh. 

The speculation has run rampant, and Bradshaw added to the conversation by saying he too has heard that Rodgers will be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2025.

"I heard the same thing, Dan," Bradshaw said when Hampton remarked Rodgers will eventually agree to a deal. "I just don't want it."

Bradshaw made it very clear how he feels about the possible addition of Rodgers. While he didn’t mention anyone by name, his criticism was clearly directed at the decision-makers in Pittsburgh, and that includes Head Coach Mike Tomlin. 

Though Bradshaw stopped short of directly calling Tomlin out, it's no secret that Tomlin has been reported as one of the driving forces behind the pursuit of Rodgers. His belief in Rodgers' ability to elevate the team has shaped much of the Steelers' offseason approach.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Very High On Aaron Rodgers

According to multiple reports, Tomlin is convinced that Rodgers still has enough left in the tank to lead a team to a Super Bowl, even at 41 years old. Despite Rodgers coming off a season in which he won just five games with the New York Jets, Tomlin remains confident that a change of scenery and the right supporting cast in Pittsburgh could rejuvenate the veteran quarterback. That confidence has led the organization to shape its plans around the possibility of Rodgers joining the team.

Bradshaw, however, seems unconvinced that bringing in Rodgers is the right move. His comments reflect a growing concern that the Steelers are putting too much faith in a quarterback whose best years may be behind him. With the franchise hinging its hopes on a player who has yet to commit, the contrast between Tomlin’s belief and Bradshaw’s skepticism captures the uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction heading into 2025.

Only time will tell if Rodgers ultimately joins the Steelers and what kind of impact that move would have on the franchise. Whether it turns out to be a turning point or a misstep, Rodgers will remain at the center of the conversation in Pittsburgh until he finally reveals his plans. For now, the speculation shows no signs of slowing down.

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