A significant shift is underway for the Pittsburgh Steelers' landscape—with Aaron Rodgers landing in the Steel City and Mike Tomlin navigating mounting pressure in Pittsburgh. Recent quotes from NFL insiders nail the tension building around both figures. As we dig into their words, you’ll see how one veteran QB’s transition impacts not just his legacy, but shines a harsh light on a coach whose postseason record is on the clock.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
Earlier on Sunday, Ryan Hickey of the Infinity Sports Network interviewed insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. He chimed in on who exactly had the most pressure on them this upcoming season, Tomlin or Rodgers.
“…in terms of next season, like what happens to them, I’d say Aaron Rodgers has more pressure because he’s already been with the Jets, had some doubt, you know people should have doubts about what he can do. And if he wants to play next season, he’s gonna need to perform well here,” said DeFabo.
When you place this in the context of the 2025 season, it lands with even more weight. Rodgers has signed a one-year deal (with up to $19.5 million in incentives) with the Steelers, following a disappointing stint with the New York Jets. Despite throwing 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024, injuries—most notably a torn Achilles in 2023—and internal tensions with the Jets’ coaching staff left fans and analysts questioning whether the former MVP still has what it takes.
The phrase “people should have doubts” doesn’t just echo uncertainty—it reflects a broader narrative of a legendary career now facing an aging crossroads. Rodgers, now 41, has acknowledged his ongoing “difficult stuff” off the field and his selective approach toward offseason programs. Meanwhile, some analysts label Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Rodgers as a “desperate” move, suggesting the team may be gambling short-term for a star in decline.
Adam Hunger / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
“But if he wants to play next season he’s gonna need to perform well here” is now a mandate. Pittsburgh’s offense, previously stagnant, has been rebuilt around Rodgers, with additions like DK Metcalf aimed at complementing his deep accuracy. Yet worries about offensive fit remain—Rodgers’ shorter pass approach, his sack vulnerability, and a run-first scheme put him and the team at a stylistic inflection point.
Rodgers is not just adding another season—he’s auditioning for legacy redemption. In Pittsburgh, with growing expectations and zero margin for error, performance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
While some fans express hope, others criticize the move as “short-term thinking.” The pressure narrative has simply moved. DeFabo also shares this.
“…in terms of like legacy, I think Mike Tomlin has more at stake… came into the league won a Super Bowl, went to another one early and here in Pittsburgh, fans are definitely frustrated by this drought without a playoff win and their really looking for him to snap it,” DeFabo continued.
That assessment zeroes in on what’s pressing for Mike Tomlin: cemented greatness, or stagnation. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season—now eight straight seasons—leaving Tomlin squarely in the spotlight.
Tomlin’s consistent regular season record—18 seasons without a losing year—is extraordinary. However, NFL legacies are built in January, not September. This quote captures the shifting bar: expectation isn’t just year-over-year wins, but playoff breakthroughs.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on in a Wild Card matchup against the Ravens in 2025.
Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh adds fuel to Tomlin ’s fire. If Rodgers performs, it strengthens the coach’s hand—but a playoff exit with Rodgers under center would raise hard questions. The stakes are magnified: legacy, patience, and public judgment now intersect in Pittsburgh.
The spotlight is real. Rodgers’ presence offers Tomlin a prime opportunity—but also invites scrutiny. The chance to break the playoff drought with a big-name QB could redefine his legacy—or amplify criticism if postseason success remains elusive.
Steelers Need To Make A Change Come The 2025 Season
Going back to the quotes, the first foresaw pressure and doubt dogging Rodgers into his 2024 season, a prophecy that followed him to the Steelers. The second highlighted Tomlin’s moment of reckoning—after playoff failures piling up, any promise of success becomes pivotal. As the season approaches, Rodgers and Tomlin find their fates intertwined: each carrying different burdens, but both bound by performance and public expectation.
Who do you think has more pressure, Tomlin or Rodgers? Let us know in the comments!
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