Aaron Rodgers Make Strong Impression on Steelers Rookie QB

As he heads into what is likely the final season of his NFL career, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has already ingratiated himself within the team's locker room and is providing an uplifting presence early on during training camp.

"You see a guy that's bought in," Steelers rookie signal caller Will Howard said. "He's sitting around, and he's taking time to sit with his teammates and talk with us and guys like me. He just looks happy. He's got a smile on his face. He's just been great, man. He's been a great guy to me, and I'm excited to continue to work with him."

Though Rodgers has caught some flack for controversial comments in the past, you'd be hard-pressed to find any of his teammates, either current or present, saying anything negative about him.

The Steelers have had a revolving door of quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 campaign. Though Rodgers' stay will be brief, the organization both hopes and expects him to combine strong play with veteran leadership as it looks to contend in a top-heavy AFC.

While he'll turn 42-years-old in December, Rodgers remains plenty capable of performing at a high level. In 17 games for the New York Jets last season, he threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 63.0 percent completion rate.

Though it took Rodgers until June to finalize his commitment to Pittsburgh and sign a one-year deal following his release from the Jets, there was never any question of what his destination would be this offseason.

There aren't many players out there better suited to mentor a rookie signal caller like Howard than Rodgers, and the former has had nothing but good things to say about the four-time MVP.

"In just getting to know him, he's such a down to earth, good guy," Howard said. "You know, he likes to joke around and have fun and mess with the younger guys, but also you can just tell it's pure. He loves the game. He wants to be here because he loves football. He wants to end his career the right way, and I love that."

Now, Rodgers will look to close out his Hall of Fame career on a high note and help the Steelers break through after a long series of disappointing trips to the playoffs.