New Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Shares High Praise For Pittsburgh Captain Cam Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the 2025 season with a four-time league MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback at their disposal. After signing a one-year deal with the Steelers worth up to just under $20 million, Aaron Rodgers finds himself in Pittsburgh in what is more than likely the final year of his career. Despite being far past his prime, Rodgers is a player that will add a major boost in production to the Steelers' offense and should have no problem further developing chemistry with new team acquisition, DK Metcalf.

Rodgers, who enters the 2025 season just two years removed from a brutal Achilles injury, has reportedly taken things very slowly throughout his first month in Pittsburgh, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin has publicly stated that he would like to see Rodgers focus on learning the playbook prior to training camp. Rodgers is considered to be the healthiest he has been in years, as the veteran quarterback may prove to look like the older version of himself as he continues to prepare for the start of the season.

Rodgers has reportedly grown closer with Pittsburgh's defensive unit as well, as the veteran quarterback had high praise for multiple players on the Steelers' defensive line while making a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show earlier on Tuesday. While the veteran quarterback spoke about multiple key players on the unit, Rodgers went into depth when speaking about Cam Heyward specifically.

"Cam Heyward, from the jump, you know the conversations we had before I was even signed, and then at the events I went to at his house," Rodgers began. "... At the golf course, you know, just being around him and watching him, he's like the OG of the team."

Rodgers then went on to speak about Heyward's leadership, highlighting the work ethic that the legendary defensive lineman has had throughout his years in Pittsburgh.

"And maybe he's happy to not be the oldest guy on the team anymore, but I love watching his leadership and watching him go about his business," Rodgers explained. "There's a lot of great leaders on this team."

Heyward, who is entering his 15th NFL season, is an elite veteran who seems to improve the older he gets. The long-time Steeler thrived in 2024, as he is expected to play a pivotal role on Pittsburgh's defense once again in 2025. Heyward was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler last season, and will look to continue adding to an already impressive résumé.

Heyward may prove to play a vital role off the field as well, as the veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor for rookie Derrick Harmon. Harmon, a first round selection in this year's NFL Draft out of Oregon, is a promising rookie that should quickly become a major beneficiary of Heyward's presence. As both Rodgers and Heyward continue their preparation for the start of training camp, the team finds themselves with veterans and experienced high-level players on both sides of the ball.

Steelers And Rodgers Likely One And Done

While also on The Pat McAfee Show during Tuesday's episode, Rodgers made it clear that this is likely his last season in the NFL, and what a better way to go out than with Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers labeled the Steelers, along with his former team, the Green Bay Packers, as two of the most legendary and prestigious organizations in the league. Both Tomlin and the team's rich history was enough for Rodgers to be convinced to finish his career in the Steel City. 

With an established coaching staff, veterans like Heyward, and a fan base ready to taste playoff victory once again, Rodgers is in the perfect environment to thrive, despite his age at 41, and show the world that he's still got one more efficient season left in his tank. 

How do you think Rodgers has been fitting in with his new teammates so far? Can he lead Pittsburgh back to a Super Bowl title? Click to comment below!

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