Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Sounds Off At NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Hate It"

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered into a long, time-consuming saga where they were trying to sway Aaron Rodgers to spend his final NFL season in the Steel City. Rodgers and Head Coach Mike Tomlin clearly had a strong trust in each other, and the process of negotiating and building confidence in the move drew out over several weeks. Despite the lengthy deliberation, Rodgers ultimately agreed to sign with the Steelers for the 2025 season, giving Pittsburgh a marquee veteran presence at quarterback for what could be the final chapter of his illustrious career. 

One major issue for Rodgers throughout the transition has been his helmet. In the 2024 NFL season, Rodgers wore the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD and praised its comfort and performance, but that model was banned after the season ended. Forced to adapt, Rodgers has been using the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II helmet in 2025, a change he has not enjoyed. 

Early in the offseason, he described the new helmet to Steelers insider Brooke Pryor as looking 'like a spaceship,' highlighting his frustration with the feel and aesthetic of the gear. For a player who has spent years fine-tuning every aspect of his play, the helmet issue has been a notable distraction.

Rodgers followed up with Pryor on Wednesday to provide an update on the helmet situation, and it’s clear his frustrations have not fully subsided. He remains unhappy with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the league’s decision to ban his preferred model, feeling it affects not only his comfort but also his confidence on the field.

"Hate it. Hate it, hate it," Rodgers said while speaking about the NFL's choice to ban his helmet. "I mean I wore this one last year, had no concussions, some arbitrary ruling, it makes obsolete now. Silly. I should have pushed it more, petitioned to wear it again one more time… it looks terrible."

While Rodgers has already taken the field for three games with the Steelers and embraced the opportunity to compete at a high level, the helmet controversy continues to linger as a minor, but persistent obstacle. His ongoing struggle to adapt to the new model has drawn attention, and finding comfort in the helmet remains important for maintaining his performance and confidence. Even as his likely final NFL season unfolds under intense scrutiny, Rodgers’ ability to overcome this issue could subtly influence how smoothly his farewell campaign progresses.

Despite the helmet distractions, Rodgers’ presence has already had an impact on the Steelers’ locker room. Younger players have been quick to respond to his leadership, and his ability to read defenses and manage games has given the team a stability they lacked in previous seasons.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Not Happy With His Helmet

Rodgers’ helmet frustrations also highlight a larger conversation in the NFL about player comfort and safety. While the league has strict rules about approved equipment, Rodgers’ outspoken stance has sparked discussions among players, coaches, and fans alike about how much impact gear can have on performance. 

For Rodgers, it is more than aesthetics. It is about being able to trust every element of his setup when he is under center. As the Steelers continue through the 2025 season, much of the focus will be on how Rodgers adapts on the field and whether he can maintain the elite level play fans expect while navigating one of the quirks that has defined this unusual final chapter of his career. Rodgers is all for safety as long as it makes sense. He clearly doesn't get this ruling by the NFL.

Do you think the NFL should have allowed Aaron Rodgers to wear the helmet he wanted to? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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