Steelers' Mike McCarthy Knows Exactly How To Get Buy-In From Veteran QBs Like Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially brought back quarterback Aaron Rodgers for one last ride while reuniting him with Head Coach Mike McCarthy. There are numerous questions about how well the oldest passer in the league, and one of the oldest head coaches in the NFL can help get an offense into a more modern approach. However, the team brass completely believes that both of those men will do exactly that. Organized Team Activities (OTAs) will be the start of this attempt to squeeze every last bit of talent out of the 42-year-old and finally get over that hump. 

Some of the players admitted that they were surprised that Rodgers showed up for OTAs, as he has not done that in years. He doesn't really need it mentally or physically, as he can learn very quickly while getting his body into shape whenever he needs to. This is usually a good time for the young quarterbacks to get their feet wet with running the offense on their own. His teammates need him to be there if he's going to play, though. 

While making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show as a guest host, NFL insider Tom Pelissero detailed exactly how McCarthy convinced Rodgers to participate in these spring practices, as well as how he did it before. 

"I can't help but think that this is a little like 2007 in Green Bay..." Pelissero said. "Mike McCarthy was in his second year as the head coach, talked Brett [Favre] into 'Hey, if we're going to make this thing go, if you want to get the most out of yourself, I got to get you here.' I believe Brett showed up for 9-12 OTAs that year... because Mike McCarthy knows how to build a culture. He knows how to build an offense."

In that 2007 season, as Pelissero mentioned, Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers had an absolute revival of a season. Favre got second place in the MVP voting that year as Green Bay lost in overtime in the NFC Championship Game that season. Pelissero's point is that McCarthy took a young team that was in decline, brought the veteran quarterback back, and had a complete turnaround that led to a wildly successful season.

The Steelers are hoping that they can get a very similar output with McCarthy reunited with Rodgers. Step one is complete, as the coach has successfully convinced his quarterback to attend OTAs and work with his offense more. If they don't get on the same page, then the season will just feel like a waste and all the restless, angry fans will be proven right. Pittsburgh has to do everything it can to win now.

It's true that Rodgers has a very specific way of doing things that some receivers struggle to work with. Waiting until June to make his presence known does not help with that in the slightest. He needs to spend as much time with these guys as possible, and that starts here in May.

Steelers Are Looking To Have One Last Run Before Getting Younger

The Steelers will have to put everything they've got into the 2026 season because the roster will look very different in 2027. Rodgers is expected to retire after this year barring a magical Favre-like run from 2007. Defensive captain Cameron Heyward could also retire after the campaign is over. Other veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols will likely be gone as well. 

What do you think about McCarthy being able to build a strong culture and get the veteran quarterbacks in the building for OTAs? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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