Steelers Teammate Notices Strong Difference In Aaron Rodgers: "He's Gotten A Little Soft"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a bizarre year in 2025. The season has been full of ups and downs, but the Steelers currently have a record of 9-6 after taking down the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Week 16. The organization seems primed for a playoff appearance after the win, paired with the Baltimore Ravens' loss, which has Pittsburgh set up for the franchise's first division title since the 2020 season. A big reason for that has been the play from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has looked like his old self throughout Pittsburgh's current three-game win streak.

Rodgers had a bit of a lull throughout the middle part of the regular season, but the quarterback has been playing great over the last three weeks. He has led the Steelers to three consecutive wins while throwing for 774 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Those aren't MVP numbers, but they are good enough to help Pittsburgh win games. 

Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling spoke with Kimberley Martin on Sunday NFL Countdown before the clash with the Detroit on Sunday, and he was asked about what is different with Rodgers in Pittsburgh from their time together with the Green Bay Packers.

"I asked Marquez Valdes-Scantling, his former receiver in Green Bay, about Rodgers," Martin said. "And MVS told me, 'Listen, he's the same guy, except there's one big difference. He's gotten a little soft. When I got to Green Bay, Rodgers was yelling at people. Not in a mean way, but holding them accountable. He still does that with the Steelers, but in a nicer tone. Maybe getting married, he's got a little softer side now.'"

The veteran quarterback has been known throughout his career for holding those around him accountable, and it hasn't always painted the quarterback in the best light. It was blown out of proportion a few times while he was with the New York Jets, which might be a reason Rodgers has changed his approach in that regard. He still clearly holds players in Pittsburgh accountable, but he might be a little bit more gentle about it.

Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling played together in Green Bay for four seasons from 2018 through 2021, and the two developed a pretty good connection over that time. The Steelers signed Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad earlier this season, and he was promoted to the active roster roughly three weeks ago. He and Rodgers connected on a touchdown in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins, and the two barely missed on a deep shot against the Lions.

The Steelers have a young group on the offensive side of the ball, which means Rodgers has to hold a ton of guys accountable. He has young linemen and weapons, but there hasn't been a big fuss made about anything going on behind the scenes between Rodgers and his teammates. This and the comments from Valdes-Scantling shows that Rodgers did change a little bit after coming to Pittsburgh.

Steelers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling Sees Something Special Brewing In Pittsburgh

Valdes-Scantling has not been in Pittsburgh long, but he feels like the team has the capabilities to accomplish something special during the 2025 season. He and Rodgers never made it to the Super Bowl during their time together in Green Bay despite getting close, but the veteran receiver thinks Pittsburgh may be able to accomplish that in Pittsburgh.

"But the two of them have always talked about winning a Super Bowl together," Martin said. "MVS said, 'I would've bet everything back in 2020, 2021, and 2022 that we would win a Super Bowl, but now we have another chance."

Valdes-Scantling might not be the most important weapon on offense for Pittsburgh, but he has a special connection with Rodgers. The two are now setting out to do something they never got the chance to do with the Packers: win the Super Bowl.

What do you think about Valdes-Scantling's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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