NFL legend quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently let on that he might just be staying on another season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Earlier this year, in June, Rodgers sounded pretty sure that he would only run out for the Steelers in the 2025 season, signing a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh team.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Last week, the Steelers’ Cam Heyward hosted fellow teammates Rodgers and DK Metcalf on his podcast in an episode aired from the team’s current training camp. It was clear from the friendly back-and-forth in the episode that Metcalf has already begun lobbying Rodgers to play for another season. And in reply to a comment from Metcalf about the future of the team, it sounded like Rodgers is, in fact, keeping an open mind about staying on beyond 2025.
The veteran has embraced every aspect of being a Steeler. In addition to his value as a four-time league MVP, Rodgers has taken on the role of mentoring the newer players on the team. According to a professional reviewer’s list of the best sport betting sites, the Steelers are currently placed at +118 to make the playoffs this season. With many of these sites offering avid bettors a range of modern markets and odds across an expansive array of sports, for football enthusiasts, the Steelers may offer some good value for savvy punters.
The experience of players like Rodgers can be key in the team punching above their weight. However, experience aside, the team’s 2025 lineup also includes quite a few talented youngsters, such as Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, and Spencer Anderson. Rodgers has already shown his leadership, especially in an otherwise very inexperienced offensive unit. When he saw no one coming to the aid of fellow quarterback Skylar Thompson after Thompson was knocked to the ground in a recent preseason game, Rodgers spoke up – and the Steelers offense listened.
Almost three months with the team and it would seem like Rodgers and the Steelers are off to a great start. Reportedly, Rodgers appreciates playing for an organization with a history of winning.
But there have been some questions as to why Rodgers hasn’t been playing in the preseason, most notably from former Steelers linebacker Chad Brown. But head coach Mike Tomlin dismissed concerns, saying that what Rodgers needed to be ready differed from the other players. Notably, the newly drafted wide receiver DK Metcalf, veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward, as well as Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt, have also been sitting on the bench up to now.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
The Steelers’ Mike Tomlin is not the only coach that hasn't been playing starters in the preseason. In 2024, almost half of the league’s teams rested their first-string players through the preseason. And with Rodgers getting on so well with the rest of the team, fans hopefully don’t have to be concerned that the offense would not have enough chemistry to kick off the season.
As a 20-year NFL veteran, 4-time league MVP, and first on the NFL’s all-time regular-season career passing rating list, Aaron Rodgers is considered the most efficient quarterback of all-time and sees himself as a natural leader. But he doesn’t feel that he is the leader when it comes to the Steelers’ offense. In fact, he says the Steelers’ offensive success will depend a lot on the leadership growth of some of his younger teammates, illustrating the importance of his leadership role.
Despite making it clear that it was the best decision for himself to keep playing, many doubt that Rodgers still has what it takes, and his announcement earlier this year that the 2025 season might be his grand finale suggested the same. During an uninspiring season with the New York Jets in 2024, Rodgers has shown some signs of decline.
However, Pittsburgh and especially coach Mike Tomlin offer this future Hall of Fame QB a more stable and supportive environment than he had in New York. The Steelers are betting that Rodgers will use his knowledge and experience of the game to work around any physical limitations, like how Peyton Manning did towards the end of his career. Then there is also the hope that he’ll be healthier and more mobile, further removed from his torn Achilles.
The 2025 NFL season officially kicks off in just under two weeks with the Steelers set against the New York Jets in Week 1, ironically. Tomlin will start Rodgers in this match against his former Jets teammates. This stellar athlete is already making a difference in the Pittsburgh team, even from the bench. It just remains to be seen exactly how much.
