The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have their starting quarterback in the building and working out with the team on the practice field. Aaron Rodgers is ready to prove all of his haters and doubters wrong and show what he can do at age 41. Any chance of the Steelers finally winning a playoff game will ride on his ability to throw the ball and call out what he sees at the line of scrimmage. Will he be able to do that, or will this be a similar scenario to what the New York Jets dealt with?
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the field after the San Francisco 49ers game in Santa Clara, California, Sept. 9, 2024.
During a post-practice press conference on Tuesday, Rodgers was asked about the receivers blowing him up on social media. He focused on his new top wideout, DK Metcalf.
"DK's been blowing me up for a while," Rodgers said. "We got to get together out West, but I've gone against him a number of times. He's big, athletic, fast, got great hands, ball skills, but the thing that really excites me the most is his character. I think he's a high character guy. I was teasing him the conversation we had. He said 'Yes sir' like 10 times. I said, 'Is that because I'm 41?' He said, 'No, that's how I talk.' I like his whole personality and his approach and the way he is on the field, his professionalism."
Metcalf was seen as a guy with character concerns during the draft process and at times during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. However, Rodgers clearly doesn't see any of that from the occasional meetups they have had, including their workout out West early in the offseason. If he is as much of a high-character guy as his new quarterback says he is, then the Steelers will have one less major problem to deal with.
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DK Metcalf celebrates as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
The Steelers traded for Metcalf in the first place to replace George Pickens. The two are similar in their styles of play, but the veteran is more mature, and he can handle his frustrations much better in the eyes of many. The Steelers traded away a second-round pick to get the former Seahawk and they received a 2026 third-round pick to part with Pickens -- so they essentially went down a round to get a direct upgrade at the top receiver position.
Having a more mature star like Metcalf can be a huge sigh of relief for the locker room. No one has to try and defend his antics or deal with him complaining in the locker room, or try to fight his own fans. They have a guy that is much easier to root for and someone that can earn their respect. He has already earned Rodgers' respect, based on his comments. Now, it's time for the rest of the team to see who he truly is.
Steelers' Receivers Have One Thing That They Haven't Had In Years
The Steelers' receiver core has been very young for a while. The problem is there was no one to really look up to. The front office brought in many veterans, but they were nothing like they were in their prime. They may have been quality mentors, but not a true example of what a wide receiver should be both on and off the field. With Metcalf, however, that should finally change.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf running on the field during the team's voluntary 2025 offseason workout program in April.
Metcalf can be more than just an extra voice in his teammates' ears. He can lead by example on the field as well. Preaching hard work is one thing, but seeing a physical freak like Metcalf giving everything he has and showing all that talent off on the field is something else entirely. Unlike Pickens, his "high character" could also rub off on everyone around him. The Steelers needed an adult in the room, and Metcalf is their guy.
What do you think about Rodgers praising Metcalf for his character? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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