After a frigid winter and verdant spring, Aaron Rodgers finally has found his new NFL home. The veteran signal-caller brought his spell in the purgatory of free agency to an end last week, mercifully agreeing a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers.
Rodgers was regularly linked with Pittsburgh over the past few months. The organization’s lack of quarterbacking depth made him an enticing option, even if he’s a few years past his best.
One of the league’s marquee talents, the Rodgers’ sweepstakes (if you can call it that) proved one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines during the offseason.
He offered his first public comments following his arrival on Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters he was looking forward to basking in the glow of yet another iconic franchise, much like he did during his pomp in Green Bay.
“This was a decision that was best for my soul, and I felt like being here with Coach T and the guys they got here and the opportunity here was the best for me,” Rodgers said. “I’m excited to be here.”
Rodgers offered insight into his personal and professional life throughout the presser, revealing he got married in the offseason while also expressing optimism that he will pick up head coach Mike Tomlin’s offense swiftly.
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The Sporting News is providing live updates from Rodgers’ first presser as a Steeler. Follow below for highlights and notable quotes as the four-time MVP addresses the media for the first time.
Live updates from Aaron Rodgers’ introductory press conference with Steelers
3:55 p.m.: If you needed Rodgers to affirm his commitment to the sport, let this quote flow through you:
“This was a decision that was best for my soul, and I felt like being here with Coach T and the guys they got here and the opportunity here was the best for me. I’m excited to be here.”
3:50 p.m.: Rodgers expressed optimism that he’ll be able to pick up the offense in a swift fashion. After all, it was shaped, at least partly, in the image of that of Kyle Shanahan, a play-caller Rodgers admires.
“The offense – it’s a lot of similar terms from the Shanahan offense, so I’ve got a lot of stuff already booked,” Rodgers said. “There’s a couple new words and different things formationally, but I’ll have it figured out in a couple weeks probably.
3:45 p.m.: Rodgers is also enticed with the prospect of playing with another newcomer: former Seahawks standout DK Metcalf. The two seemed to have struck up a bit of a friendship during the offseason, being pictured playing alongside one another.
“DK’s been blowing me up for a while,” Rodgers said. “He’s big, athletic, and fast. He’s a high-character guy.”
3:40 p.m.: One of the primary reasons why Rodgers landed in Pittsburgh? Mike Tomlin, as expected.
“It starts with Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time…”
3:35 p.m.: Among the biggest news of the day, at least pertaining to Rodgers, is this — he got married this offseason. It’s unclear quite who is his spouse, but whoever they are, he put a ring on them.
Aaron Rodgers is indeed married, he says.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) June 10, 2025
3:30 p.m.: Rodgers said he’s hoping to breathe leadership and experience into Pittsburgh’s locker room.
3:25 p.m.: Rodgers said he delayed signing only to ensure that he was mentally and physically ready. He didn’t want to be in the building if he wasn’t committed to the project.
“I was dealing with a lot of things in my personal life and some things improved a little bit where I felt like I could fully be all in here with the guys,” Rodgers said. “I had great conversations with Mike throughout the entire process and Omar. It was good to get that done and get it behind us.”
3:22 p.m.: Here comes Rodgers! He’s waxing lyrical about the Steelers’ pedigree, saying it compares favorably to that of the Packers, the franchise he starred for during a sparkling 18-year tenure.
Aaron Rodgers on why now was the right time to sign with the Steelers: pic.twitter.com/poiav6t3wc
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) June 10, 2025
3:20 p.m.: Rodgers is on the stand. He’ll start addressing the media in a few moments.
3:15 p.m.: Here’s a look at Rodgers in the black-and-yellow (or rather white-and-yellow, for the time being) for the first time.
First practice in the Black & Gold 🙌 @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/fjG8M64EOC
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 10, 2025
MORE AARON RODGERS:
Aaron Rodgers contract
- Years: One
- Value: $13.65 million
Rodgers agreed to a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers last week. The deal features $10 million in guaranteed money. It’s also chock-full of incentives — Rodgers can net an additional $5.85 million if he hits certain milestones.
The incentives are as follows:
- Playoff berth: $500,000
- Wild card win: $600,000
- Divisional win: $750,000
- Conference championship: $1 million
- Super Bowl win: $1.5 million
- League MVP: $1.5 million
When is Aaron Rodgers’ press conference?
- Date: Tuesday, June 10
- Time: Approximately 3:30 p.m. ET
Rodgers is expected to take the pulpit at around 3:30 p.m. ET. That time is subject to change — it’s dependent largely on when Pittsburgh’s minicamp practice session ends.
How to watch Aaron Rodgers press conference today
Rodgers’ presser is expected to be aired live on a variety of platforms. The Steelers tend to air pressers live on their YouTube channel. They’re expected to do so once more when Rodgers steps to the microphone.
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