Aaron Rodgers Reveals Steelers' Mike Tomlin Made Big Signing "A Reality"

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be happy with the acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as there has not been a single negative word about him from the locker room thus far. In the same turn, he appears to be pleased to wear black and gold for his 21st NFL season, and his 18th as a starting quarterback. This marriage was hyped to be a match made in heaven, and early returns say that that is the case. Everything will be decided on the football field, however. 

While making a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers was asked about how the signing finally happened. He spoke about one man in particular that made him want to play in Pittsburgh for 2025.

"I had conversations with Mike [Tomlin] every week, and it was really through those conversations that this became a reality," Rodgers explained. "I think most people who come to the Steelers talk about one of the reasons being Mike T, and I can say that was right at the top, just the conversations we had. It felt like you're talking to an old friend, honestly. I really appreciate those conversations throughout it."

Head Coach Mike Tomlin is almost always seen as one of the biggest draws to Pittsburgh. His ability to speak to his teams and motivate them may be unmatched with his charisma and his unforgettable "Tomlinisms." That was on full display during Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North as well, as many fans were captivated by how he spoke to his team. That is a big reason why he is one of the more respected coaches in the league. 

Throughout the offseason, Rodgers had kept in constant communication with Tomlin, his coaching staff, and other members of the Steelers' brass. Even as the 2025 NFL Draft went along and Organized Team Activities (OTAs) started up, the 41-year-old was speaking with them and making things happen where no one could see it. Now, they get to speak on what's happening with the team in real time and work out a real gameplan together moving forward.

NFL players talk to each other, so it's safe to say that Rodgers has heard all the stories of Tomlin speaking, both good and bad. He got to hear that firsthand during mandatory minicamp after he signed, and he will be listening in every day for about six months starting in late July. 

Rodgers Won't Let Steelers Do Whatever They Want

So far, it's sunshine and rainbows for all parties involved in Pittsburgh, but the best way to see what's really going on is to see how they react when things start to get bad and possible losses start piling up. Rodgers has been known to be a bit controversial on The Pat McAfee Show when he doesn't get his way, which means there is always a chance that that happens while playing for the Steelers. Players like Calvin Austin III may need to be cautious. 

For the Steelers' sake, even if Rodgers gets frustrated with players and/or coaches in the facility, the best thing he can do for the team is keep it in-house and speak with the person that he is most upset with behind closed doors. That promise should have been a requirement for him to join Pittsburgh.

The only thing Rodgers would accomplish with publicly complaining is tearing the locker room apart. Coaches rarely ever get fired in Pittsburgh, especially midseason. There is no need for him to start a civil war, especially with a team that does not like breaking tradition. He just needs to play his best ball and privately address any concerns he might possibly have.

What do you think about Rodgers praising Tomlin for the conversations they had? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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