The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the pursuit of Aaron Rodgers since the beginning of March. The chase ultimately paid off, as Rodgers finally took the field for the first time as a member of the team on June 10th for the first day of mandatory minicamp. Although Rodgers only participated in individual drills, this minicamp will play a key role in Rodgers getting acclimated with his new coaches and teammates. Despite only being in Pittsburgh for a short time, it hasn't stopped coaches from raving about the four-time MVP of the NFL, even in his 40s.
Gene J. Puskar / AP photo
Aaron Rodgers participating in individual drills during his first official practice as a Pittsburgh Steeler during the team's mandatory minicamp on June 10, 2025.
Steelers quarterbacks coach, Tom Arth, will be one of the people who works with Rodgers the most. Arth has not been shy, much like the rest of the Steelers' front office and coaching staff about their excitement for Rodgers being a part of the team. Arth spoke to the media before the second day of the Steelers' mandatory minicamp and made a strong claim about Rodgers playing at an older age, and how similar it is to that of Peyton Manning. Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review posted Arth's entire quote on X. The caption appears to mention Tom Brady, however, Arth specifically mentions Manning in the clip.
"Two of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game and you know I think there's a lot of similarities between them. You know, they're different players, different athletes, things like that, but in terms of their approach, their preparation, their ability to process information you know, to play as you said a cerebral game, I think they are pretty similar in that regard."
Arth acknowledges that while Rodgers and Manning (or even Brady for that matter), are very different players and athletes, the way they prepare and process information is very similar. This is a huge compliment to Rodgers and the way he prepares, which often gets overlooked. A Manning comparison in this instance is fair, considering the two are some of the most decorated players in league history.
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Former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin share words after their matchup on October 20, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Rodgers is just one of very few in NFL history to start while being older than 40, so what can the Steelers reasonably expect from him in 2025? If the back half of the 2024 season was any indicator, the Steelers may be in luck. Rodgers finished the last month of the season with 8 passing touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. He had a QB rating of over 112 in at least two of those games, and added 51 rushing yards. Rodgers won't necessarily need to be in MVP form like he was with the Green Bay Packers. However, if he can put up similar numbers and production like he did with the New York Jets to end the 2024 season, that may be all Pittsburgh needs to get them over the playoff hump this upcoming season.
Steelers' Ultimate Goal For 2025 Is Clear
The Steelers are clearly hopeful Rodgers can replicate what Manning and Brady did later in their careers. The strong comparisons from Rodgers' new quarterbacks coach only confirms what has been the Steelers' plan all along this offseason. The Steelers are confident that they have built a roster that is close to competing for a Super Bowl, or they would have never brought in Rodgers at all.
Adam Hunger / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback (now Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback) Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown during a home game in the 2024 NFL season.
Fans can absolutely anticipate the Steelers to make another push for the playoffs in the upcoming season, and they may not be done adding to their roster before the 2025 season begins.
What are your expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season and beyond? Would you compare Aaron Rodgers to Peyton Manning or Tom Brady this late in his career? Let us know in the comments below!
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