The Pittsburgh Steelers have been watched throughout the 2025 offseason due to the interesting quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. The room has been completely turned over for the second season in a row, and for a while it looked like Mason Rudolph might be taking on the starting role. That changed when four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers decided to sign his contract over the weekend, and he was present in Pittsburgh for mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. He took the practice field as the starter for the Steelers for the first time, which allowed the fan base to breathe a sigh of relief.
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Aaron Rodgers warms up before the New York Jets' preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There is a certain sect of the fan base in Pittsburgh that didn't want Rodgers to sign with the Steelers. However, he arguably gives the organization its best chance to have any semblance of postseason success in 2025. His experience is valuable, and his play is still in the top half of the league when it comes to the quarterback position. The veteran quarterback spoke to the media after practice on Tuesday, and he was asked about what kind of leader he is looking to be in Pittsburgh for the Steelers.
"I think I just want to be a servant leader here and just pass on the knowledge that I have of 20 years," Rodgers said. "The experience, and just try to fit in with the guys, get to know them. Let them get to know me. Just enjoy the process, you know. This is, everything is new, it's like the first day of school. I don't know a lot of guys' names. They don't have names on the back of the jerseys here. They don't have names on the doors in the media room. I literally walk out of the locker room and I'm lost."
What Rodgers described is what it is similar to his leadership role that he took on in 2023 with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 of the season, but he still led the team and tried to be a mentor for young quarterback Zach Wilson. This was displayed during the 2023 version of Hard Knocks, and hopefully Rodgers will be taking the same approach in Pittsburgh.
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Former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and OC Nathaniel Hackett (right) at training camp.
Pittsburgh's offense needs a leader, and Rodgers should be able to fit right into that role along with Pat Freiermuth. The organization has struggled on offense in recent years, and hopefully that can change with Rodgers leading the unit. His experience should pay dividends for Pittsburgh, and his knowledge of NFL defenses should constantly put Pittsburgh in the right situations on offense.
Rodgers only signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, and there is a high likelihood that this is his last season in the NFL. The quarterback will be 42-years old by the end of the season, and hopefully he can end his career on a high note with Pittsburgh after two rough seasons with the Jets.
Steelers Should Want Aaron Rodgers To Mentor Will Howard
Pittsburgh did draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft as the franchise picked Will Howard in the sixth round of the event. He is coming off of a victory in the National Championship, and he has all of the physical tools to succeed in the league. His stature and mobility make him an intriguing young quarterback, and if Rodgers can help him with his transition to the NFL, the young quarterback should be considered for the starting role in 2026.
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Will Howard celebrates during the National Championship.
It is important to note that as a sixth-round pick, Howard is not expected to see the field much, if at all this season. There is a chance he won't see much action throughout his entire rookie deal. However, allowing him to learn from Rodgers gives him the best chance to do so.
What do you think about Rodgers' remarks on his leadership? Let us know in the comments below!
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