The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in the headlines throughout this offseason, due to a lot of speculation about who the next starting quarterback was going to be. Flash forward, and the Steelers have signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, one of the most accomplished and talked about players in the league on a one-year deal. Rodgers is already getting to work and his arrival not only brings excitement, but also raises expectations, as many people wait to see what he can bring to this new chapter in Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
The conversation surrounding Rodgers hasn’t stopped since his signing with the Steelers. His arrival has sparked new conversations about these expectations, with everyone sharing their opinion. One of the latest to talk about it is Steelers legend Jerome Bettis. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Bettis touched on several key topics related to the Steelers, and of course, Rodgers was a topic of conversation. According to Bettis, there’s one major question that still looms over Rodgers and the Steelers as they head into this season.
"I think the one big question that you have to ask yourself is, can you protect him?" Bettis said. "I think that's going to be the number one priority for the Steelers. Obviously, you know Rodgers as a quarterback is a talent. Even at 41 years old, he's going to be way above average as a quarterback."
Bettis is one of the most beloved players in Steelers history. He played for the Steelers from 1996 until he retired in 2006, right after winning Super Bowl XL. Known for his power, toughness, and leadership, Bettis was great at pushing through defenders and helping the offense. Fans admired him not only for how he played, but also for his personality. In 2015, he was honored by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, locking in his place as a true Steelers and NFL legend.
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Former Steelers RB Jerome Bettis running with the football against the Bengals.
Bettis’ opinion certainly means something to Steelers fans, so his recent comments are both exciting and encouraging as the team gets ready for the upcoming season. With Rodgers being the oldest active player in the NFL, some have expressed concerns about how much he has left in the tank. That’s why hearing Bettis say he expects Rodgers to play well above average is a major confidence boost, especially after the team’s recent struggles and uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Bettis went on to highlight just how important the Steelers’ offensive line will be this season. He emphasized that the line’s ability to protect Rodgers and give him time in the pocket will be crucial to his performance. According to Bettis, the success of the offensive line will play a direct role in determining how effective Rodgers can be on the field.
"If you can protect him, then you can get all the value out of him and that position," Bettis said. "If you can't protect him, then it doesn't matter who you put out there. You can play two young guys, it doesn't matter. You're going to get the same productivity... If you can protect him, then I think you get all the benefits of having a quality football player at the helm, at the quarterback position."
The Steelers brought in Rodgers on a one-year deal, which appears to work well for both sides. Rodgers recently revealed that this will likely be his final season in the NFL, giving him the chance to close out his career on a competitive team. For the Steelers, this provides a reliable bridge quarterback while they plan to make a move for a future franchise quarterback in an upcoming NFL Draft.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers throws with the other quarterbacks during mandatory minicamp in 2025.
The Steelers Offensive Line's Biggest Struggle
However, the success of the offense will ultimately depend on the performance of the offensive line. Despite bringing in young talent over the past few seasons, the line has continued to struggle, largely due to injuries. These injuries have forced players to move around and take on different positions that they may not be fully comfortable with. The Steelers certainly have the talent up front, and if the line can stay healthy and consistent, it could create a positive domino effect throughout the entire offense.
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