Steelers’ Broderick Jones Opens Up About The Pressure To Protect Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big decision to go all in to land Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season. Rodgers has already hinted that this will likely be his final year in the NFL, making Pittsburgh potentially the last stop in his Hall of Fame career. Despite his age, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan believe the 41-year-old still has enough left in the tank to lead a deep playoff run, especially with the right support around him.

The biggest concern heading into the season is whether the offensive line can rise to the occasion and protect Rodgers. Late in the 2024 campaign, the unit struggled with consistency, giving up too much pressure and disrupting the flow of the offense. The Steelers are hopeful that the addition of a healthy Troy Fautanu will help solidify the group, but every returning lineman will need to elevate their game to keep Rodgers upright and effective.

All eyes will be on Broderick Jones, who enters his third NFL season with major responsibilities at tackle. Jones spoke to the media on Friday before the start of training camp and acknowledged the pressure that comes with protecting a quarterback like Rodgers. He knows he will need to play the best football of his career in 2025 if the Steelers hope to compete, and the coaching staff is counting on him to anchor the offensive line from day one.

"It is just crazy now that I got A-Rod behind me," Jones said. "Going from Russ [Wilson] and A-Rod, it is just crazy. Those are two good quarterbacks that you never thought you would be blocking for and now I have a chance to block for them now. I just gotta keep him upright all season." 

In the 2024 season, Jones had the opportunity to play alongside another quarterback he respects in Russell Wilson. While the Steelers had the option to bring Wilson back for another year, they ultimately decided to go in a different direction. 

With Rodgers now in Pittsburgh, Jones understands the pressure that comes with protecting a four-time league MVP who is 41 years old and possibly entering the final season of his career. Now, Jones must go out on that field and execute on what he just stated on Friday.

It will not be an easy task, but if the offensive line can improve from their struggles last season, the Steelers could quietly emerge as a team to watch. Many believe this group has the talent to take a step forward, especially with the addition of a healthy Fautanu. The Steelers drafted Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They had already named him a starter but he sadly suffered a season ending injury early in the year.

Steelers' Broderick Jones Has To Be Better In 2025

Jones struggled in 2024, to the point where fans and analysts began to question whether he was living up to expectations and even started labeling him a bust. It was not a good second year from Jones but he can still redeem himself with a much better year three.

Despite the criticism, the Steelers still have confidence in Jones. With Fautanu now in the mix, Jones is expected to return to his natural position, which the team believes will allow him to play more comfortably and effectively. If he can make that leap and the offensive line shows real improvement, Rodgers may get the protection he needs to put together one more memorable season.

#SteelerNation