The Pittsburgh Steelers have themselves a true leader at the quarterback position in the form of Aaron Rodgers. At 41 years of age and in his 21st NFL season, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion has accomplished just about everything at the professional level. He knows how to help teams reach elite heights and win games at an incredibly high rate. All of that starts with his leadership. Even when things might not be going well for one of his teammates, whether that is because he isn't getting the ball on offense, or he has lost his confidence, Rodgers is always willing to help him out.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers celebrates with Pat Freiermuth after a big play during a win over the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
Rodgers was asked by the Pittsburgh media this week about what he does when players start complaining about not getting the ball on offense. His answer was a fascinating one.
"I welcome those conversations. I do. If somebody wants more targets, I welcome the conversation. But I usually say, 'Let's watch the film. Let's talk about football.' I love doing that. I think what young players learn is that practice is very, very important. When you show it week in and week out in practice, it gives the quarterback a lot of confidence to come your way with the football," Rodgers explained. "I'll say it again just because it means so much to me. When a guy's not getting the ball and he still shows up to work in the same way every single day, every week, there's a lot to be said for that."
Rodgers is continuing to prove why it was a smart call made by the Steelers to bring him in this offseason on a one-year deal.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Not only is Pittsburgh in first place in the AFC North by multiple games and not only is Rodgers (17 touchdowns) looking like a Pro Bowl selection, but he is looking like the sorely needed leader on offense that this team has been missing since the retirement of legendary Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.
The Unpredictability Of The Steelers' Offense Is Key
While Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's unit is currently middle-of-the-pack or worse in terms of total offense (288.1 yards per game), passing offense (200.1 yards per game), rushing offense (87.3 yards per game), and scoring offense (25.3 points per game), this team has been very good in a lot of situations. Rodgers has kept the ball safe the majority of the time (five interceptions), and the offense has just two fumbles so far. The Steelers are second in the NFL in turnover differential at +9. The simple fact of the matter is that if Rodgers and co. can take care of the football and be efficient, especially in the red zone, they have a good chance of winning any ballgame.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers throws to DK Metcalf during a win over the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
Not only is this offense dangerous when it takes care of the football, but it is dangerous because of Rodgers' ability to spread the ball around. While pass-catchers on offense might want the football, the variety of options makes this offense much more dangerous. In back-to-back games, Rodgers has found nine different receivers with the football. Sure, a star receiver like DK Metcalf has the ability to take over any game. Sure, Calvin Austin has had his moments as a young player in this league. However, Smith and Rodgers' desire to take advantage of having four quality tight ends and a couple of versatile running backs is something to pay attention to, as well.
In the team's upset win over the Indianapolis Colts last week, seven different players had multiple receptions, including, Metcalf, Austin, tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith, as well as backup running back Kenneth Gainwell. So, maybe it is good that Rodgers isn't necessarily force-feeding the ball to anybody in particular.
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