Steelers' DeShon Elliott Reveals He Apologized To Aaron Rodgers Behind The Scenes

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an eventful offseason on both sides of the football. The team signed four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth up to just under $20 million, as Rodgers will enter what is more than likely the final season of his career. Multiple players on the Steelers' defense found themselves caught in the midst of social media drama as well, as generational linebacker TJ Watt trolled the entire sports world with a cryptic Instagram story prior to signing his three-year extension.

Steelers safety DeShon Elliott found himself in some headlines as well, as he had some harsh words for Rodgers prior to the veteran signing in Pittsburgh earlier in the offseason. When Pittsburgh was announced as the betting favorite to land Rodgers, Elliott posted a comment about sending the quarterback to a retirement home.

Entering his second season with the Steelers, Elliott is a solid safety who will look to make a major impact with Minkah Fitzpatrick no longer on the team. Elliott will enter a second season with the same team for the first time in three years, as the six year veteran had consecutive one year stints in Detroit and Miami prior to signing with Pittsburgh. 

With training camp officially underway, Elliott took a moment to speak to the media regarding his past comments surrounding the Steelers' new starting quarterback.

"I'm a troll," Elliott stated. "He's an All-Pro, and he's a G.O.A.T. He's gonna be a Gold Jacket guy one day."

Elliott then went on to speak about his relationship with Rodgers, as the safety claims he apologized for his comments when the veteran quarterback signed the deal.

"Honestly when he got here, we communicated, we talked. He's a great person and a great football player, so I respect him a lot, and I told him that I respect him and I apologized to him for the things I was saying about him. Because honestly, he's a great man, and he has a great heart, so I do appreciate him. And he's funny as he**."

Elliot's comments are relieving to hear for Steelers fans, as no tension or drama from that situation will carry into training camp or the regular season. Both Rodgers and Elliott will be slated with crucial roles throughout 2025, as Elliott should thrive with Fitzpatrick no longer on the field. Rodgers may find himself with a major role off the field as well, as the veteran quarterback is expected to be an excellent mentor for rookie quarterback Will Howard.

Rodgers joins the Steelers following a failed two-year tenure with the New York Jets, as an Achilles injury suffered on the opening drive of the 2023 season left him sidelined for the remainder of that year. Rodgers was underwhelming in 2024 as well, as the former Jet is rumored to be the healthiest he has been in years. With the start of the preseason continuing to grow closer, fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the veteran quarterback throughout the course of training camp.

Steelers May Add Wide Receiver Depth For Aaron Rodgers

With the Steelers' top receiving weapons consisting of DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll, many feel as if Pittsburgh is lacking depth at the position. The Steelers recently acquired Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins, as Smith is a dynamic tight end who will more than likely emerge as a top weapon at Rodgers' disposal. Pittsburgh may opt to sign a receiver in free agency as well, as the team continues to find themselves linked to former Buffalo Bill Amari Cooper.

Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, is a solid receiver who would add an instant boost in production to the Steelers as Rodgers' third option. Cooper had a down year in 2024, as the veteran was involved in a midseason trade that sent him from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills. The former Bill is expected to emerge as a cheaper option as well, as Cooper finds himself still without a team after the first week of training camp.

With Elliott and Rodgers slated to play crucial roles this season, fans should be relived that Elliott's comments will have no further affects on his relationship with Rodgers. Elliott could thrive throughout 2025, as many feel as if Pittsburgh's defense is among the league's best entering this season. Many feel like Pittsburgh's offense is underrated as well, as Rodgers is expected to continue getting comfortable with his new offense throughout camp.

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