The Pittsburgh Steelers have watched Aaron Rodgers accomplish something that many people probably didn't expect from a 42-year-old quarterback. Not only is the veteran still delivering impressive performances through the air, but his mobility has become an interesting development during the 2026 season. Former NFL superstar JJ Watt believes there's a specific reason Rodgers looks more comfortable moving around than he did last year.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium.
Rodgers has helped Pittsburgh secure a 3-2 record through five games, throwing for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns. His latest performance against the Indianapolis Colts featured 235 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 34-22 victory. While those numbers have grabbed attention, Watt has been watching something that doesn't necessarily appear in the box score.
During Wednesday's appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Watt discussed the noticeable differences in Rodgers' movement this season. The former defensive superstar acknowledged Pittsburgh's struggles protecting its quarterback against Cleveland but suggested the overall film tells a more encouraging story. He believes Rodgers is moving with considerably more freedom than he demonstrated last season.
"He's moving around pretty well. He's getting out of the pocket and actually scrambling for some yards," Watt said. "Against Cleveland, he had the five sacks, which obviously wasn't a good night, but if you look at the totality of the film and some of the movements he has been able to make this year, you can tell he is feeling pretty good."
That's an interesting observation considering how much attention Rodgers' age has received throughout his career's later stages. Pittsburgh isn't expecting its quarterback to suddenly become a dangerous rushing threat, but mobility doesn't always translate directly into rushing statistics. Sometimes the difference between a successful play and a sack is one extra step away from pressure.
Rodgers has recorded just 18 rushing yards this season, including a six-yard scramble against Indianapolis. However, those numbers don't necessarily capture his ability to extend plays or create throwing opportunities outside the pocket. Watt's assessment suggests Rodgers is operating with greater physical comfort, something that could become increasingly important as the season progresses.
What makes Watt's comments particularly fascinating is the explanation he provided for Rodgers' previous limitations. According to Watt, the quarterback discussed a back issue during an earlier appearance on McAfee's show. The injury apparently occurred while Rodgers was lifting weights before the 2025 season.
"He talked to us before the Patriots game earlier this year, and he told us how prior to Week 1 last year, he tweaked his back squatting," Watt said. "That's funny in its own right. Why is a 42-year-old quarterback squatting? But that's why he didn't feel that good last year moving around. He feels a whole lot better this year. You can tell."
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Has An Encouraging Explanation For Improved Mobility
The squatting detail adds an unexpected layer to Rodgers' story. Professional athletes constantly work to maintain their strength, but Watt clearly found some humor in the idea of a quarterback approaching his 40s pushing himself in the weight room. More importantly, he connected that previous discomfort to the difference he's noticing today.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).
It's worth remembering that Rodgers doesn't need elite athleticism to remain effective. His ability to recognize defenses, manipulate coverage and deliver accurate throws has always been more important than his rushing production. However, even a small improvement in mobility can make those strengths considerably more dangerous.
The Steelers experienced the other side of that equation against Cleveland, when Rodgers was sacked five times during a 27-24 loss. Pittsburgh's offensive line must continue improving because even a healthier Rodgers cannot consistently overcome defenders arriving untouched. The Colts game provided a much more encouraging example, with Rodgers taking only one sack.
Watt's assessment also offers Steelers fans another reason to feel optimistic about the quarterback's outlook. If Rodgers truly feels more comfortable physically than he did last season, Pittsburgh could benefit from that improvement throughout the coming months. His recent production already suggests that age hasn't eliminated his ability to command an NFL offense.
The Steelers don't need Rodgers to become a scrambling quarterback. They need him comfortable enough to avoid unnecessary hits, extend plays when necessary and keep delivering the football to his playmakers. If Watt's observations are accurate, Pittsburgh might be getting a physically improved version of Rodgers at precisely the right time.
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