The Pittsburgh Steelers may be entering the 2025 season with plenty of questions, but there’s one area that seems anything but uncertain: how quarterback Aaron Rodgers feels about his new home.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers during the team's first practice of 2025 mandatory minicamp.
After spending two seasons with the New York Jets, Rodgers now finds himself under the bright lights of Pittsburgh, but this isn’t just another stop for the future Hall of Famer; it sounds like it might be the one he wants to finish with.
While speaking with the Golf Channel during the American Century Championship, Rodgers took a break from the fairway to reflect on the shift to the Steelers and what’s energized him heading into his 21st NFL season.
“Well, I just like the newness of it all,” Rodgers said. “I'm excited about being at such a great franchise with the Hall of Fame head coach and I've enjoyed getting to know Arthur Smith, our coordinator. the quarterback coach actually was in my quarterback room a million years ago. I've known Tom Arth since we were young kids without any gray. So it's fun.”
There’s a lot packed into that short moment, but what stands out most is Rodgers’ use of the word “fun.” This isn’t a guy going through the motions. This is a player who seems truly refreshed. That matters because the Steelers aren’t looking for a one-year rental; they’re counting on Rodgers to lead the locker room, elevate the offense, and restore the standard.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
His mention of Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, adds another layer of intrigue. Smith brings a reputation for crafting balanced offenses and getting the most out of his quarterbacks. Rodgers’ early chemistry with Smith and Tom Arth, the Steelers’ quarterbacks coach, should only speed up his transition into this system. Rodger continued discussing what will likely be his final season.
"It's a good quarterback room. It's good leadership in the locker room. Great fan base, and I'm just excited to get back out there and finish it the right way."
The “finish it the right way” part also can’t be overlooked. After a heartbreaking Week 1 Achilles injury in 2023 and a fast-fizzling Jets campaign in 2024, this is the last ride for Rodgers. He seems determined to do it on his terms and with a group of players and coaches he trusts.
Rodgers’ comments reflect not only on his excitement, but also on how the Steelers are positioning themselves behind the scenes. He praised the locker room’s leadership, something Head Coach Mike Tomlin has long prioritized, and credited the organization’s fan base for its energy and passion.
This falls in line with what many around the league have quietly said this offseason: that the Steelers are building something legitimate and sustainable. Rodgers isn't just arriving into chaos; he’s stepping into a situation with emerging wide receivers, a stout offensive line, and a team-first culture.
Even the wide receiver room, while not directly mentioned, benefits from Rodgers’ enthusiasm. It’s a subtle signal that he believes he has weapons to work with and a staff capable of maximizing them, and for a team that finished 10-7 and made the postseason last year despite rotating quarterbacks, it’s not hard to see why a reset with Rodgers could ignite a deep run.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Steelers Must Capitalize On Rodgers’ High Energy
The Steelers’ job now is simple: don’t waste this opportunity. Rodgers is saying all the right things. He’s reenergized, locked in, and already bonding with the staff. The vibe coming out of Pittsburgh is far from transitional. It feels purposeful.
Whether it’s mentoring young players or leading late-game drives, Rodgers’ presence gives the team credibility and clarity, two things they’ve sorely lacked under center in recent years. He may be 41, but Rodgers’ words suggest that mentally, emotionally, and competitively, he’s as ready as ever. The Steelers’ window may be small, but with Rodgers locked in, it’s wide enough.
Do you believe Rodgers can help the Steelers make a serious playoff run, or is this just a short-term spark? Let us know in the comments below!
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