Aaron Rodgers' 2021 Comments Resurface After Steelers News

The Steelers, however, are hoping that Rodgers shuns retirement once again. They hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, hoping to reunite him with Rodgers. McCarthy and Rodgers spent 13 years together with the Green Bay Packers, resulting in a Super Bowl title in 2011.

On Thursday, reports emerged that the Steelers have hired another one of Rodgers’ long-time coaches in Green Bay. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers are bringing in James Campen as the new offensive coordinator.

Campen spent many years under McCarthy in Green Bay. During that time, Campen got to know Rodgers well, especially during the 10-time Pro Bowler’s formative years in the NFL.

An old post from Rodgers resurfaced on Thursday, shortly after the Campen news broke. The 2021 statement shows how highly Rodgers thinks of his former coach.

“This is James Campen, former Green Bay packer player and coach, but he’s always been more than just a coach. He has been a mentor, confidant, father figure, supporter, and Friend to SO MANY players over the last 3+ decades.

“As just about any player who played for/with him for years would attest, we are all better for having been around Jimmy. You’re a better person than a coach my friend, and you’re a tremendous coach. ❤️” Rodgers posted on Instagram five years ago.

Rodgers started his NFL career in 2005 as the Packers’ first-round pick. Campen was already with Green Bay when they drafted Rodgers. Campen served as assistant offensive line/quality control coach before he was promoted to offensive line coach.

Rodgers worked with Campen in Green Bay for 14 years before the latter moved on to join the Cleveland Browns in 2019 as their associate head coach and offensive line coach.

After spending one season in Cleveland, Campen, a former Packers center, also had stints with the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers. In 2024, he returned to Green Bay as a scouting consultant.