Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Already Inspiring Young Pittsburgh Defender: "We Are Bought In"

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves entering the 2025 NFL season with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time at their disposal. After signing future Hall of Famer and four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth up to nearly $20 million, the Steelers have shifted their attention towards Rodgers learning the playbook and getting comfortable throughout his first month in Pittsburgh. Rodgers, who is entering his 21st NFL season, is an elite veteran who should have no problem thriving with DK Metcalf as his top receiving option.

Rodgers, who finds himself fresh off a failed two-year tenure with the New York Jets, is expected to slowly ease his way into things, but should be a full participant by the start of training camp. Rodgers' time in New York was highlighted by injuries and underwhelming play, as a torn Achilles left him sidelined for almost the entirety of the 2023 season -- followed by a mediocre performance in 2024 overall. 

The former Jet has made an excellent first impression on the Steelers' locker room however, since signing, as Rodgers has reportedly gotten the entire team to fully buy-in and believe in his abilities for the 2025 season. While making an appearance on Off the Air with Matt Randazzo on Monday, Steelers defensive lineman Logan Lee was asked for his first impression on Rodgers, and how the team feels about him thus far.

"He came in and gave the team a great speech," Lee stated. "I think we are bought in for the meantime. He's got a résumé that you cannot argue with. Like Coach Tomlin always says, we are in the business of winning football games. I think that bringing him in gives us a great chance to do that."

Lee then went on to talk about his excitement towards playing with a veteran of Rodgers' caliber, claiming he believes the former Green Bay Packers QB will give the Steelers an excellent chance at winning football games.

"I'm looking forward to being able to work with a 21-year vet," Lee admitted. "That's crazy, you don't hear that very often... We are looking forward to it. We just want to win football games. Whoever helps us get there, we are looking forward to investing in them."

Lee, who was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of last year's NFL Draft, is a promising young player who is expected to make a bigger impact throughout his second season in the NFL. Lee was elite on the college level as well, as he played a major role in Iowa's success throughout his time as a Hawkeye. At 6'5", 286 pounds, Lee should have no problem thriving during his sophomore year and is widely expected to show major signs of improvement.

Rodgers may prove to make a huge impact off the field, just as much as he will on it, as he has publicly committed to mentoring rookie quarterback, Will Howard. Between Lee, and Howard already stating the immense impact Rodgers has had on the younger players in Pittsburgh so far, there's no question that the veteran's presence is immediately paying off.

Steelers Have A Slew Of Veterans Ready To Step Up In 2025

The heart and soul of this Pittsburgh team has been its defense. With returning players like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alex Highsmith and Patrick Queen, the Steelers are expected to be one of the best defenses in the entire league for 2025 -- led by these specific veterans. New additions like Darius Slay Jr., Daniel Ekuale, Brandin Echols and Juan Thornhill will also help provide the veteran leadership necessary for the younger players in the locker room to thrive during the upcoming season.

As the offseason continues on, expect more of the Steelers' younger defenders to embrace and reveal the mentorship of the older veterans. It will be needed if Pittsburgh truly wants to make a deep postseason run. 

Have you been impressed with Rodgers' time in Pittsburgh thus far and his instant impact on the younger players in the locker room? Comment below!

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