The Pittsburgh Steelers are aiming for a massive one-year push toward a Super Bowl run. Their new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is nearing the end of his career, and it’s now up to Pittsburgh to help him reach one final championship. Despite just signing a contract, Rodgers has reportedly been committed to the team for some time.
“I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], ‘Listen, I’m gonna play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all,’” Ian O’Connor said.
Rodgers’ signing has received mixed reactions, with some believing his presence could cause tension with newly acquired Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf.
“Will a wideout who typically does most of his damage as an outside deep threat defeating man-to-man coverage grow frustrated playing with Rodgers, especially given their combustible on-field personas and his growing propensity to stay inside the numbers? (And especially given Rodgers’ own combustible on-field persona and propensity to telegraph shade at teammates who don’t run routes to his specifications?) Don’t be surprised, despite Rodgers’ private workouts with Metcalf,” USA Today’s Nate Davis wrote.
Despite the skepticism and potential friction, there’s also a major positive: Rodgers is reportedly in peak physical condition. The 41-year-old quarterback is preparing for what could be one of the final elite runs of his era.
“I can say here – and I think I’m 100 percent right – [Rodgers] is in the best shape and changed his body a little bit to fit who he really is,” said Super Bowl champion Phil Simms on his podcast.
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If Rodgers truly is in the best shape of his life, that’s a great sign for the Steelers. With that in mind, it’s fair to wonder if this is really the last dance.
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