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Aaron Rodgers Was Asked If He'll Mentor Steelers Rookie Will Howard

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 10:08 AM ET

Aaron Rodgers showed up to mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and quickly got to work for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers this past weekend. Although fans expected the four-time MVP to sign for a lot more money, he made it clear that he just wants to win. If that means taking a pay cut, then so be it.

Besides, Rodgers really wanted to play for Mike Tomlin. That's the main reason he signed with the Steelers.

"I think it starts with Mike Tomlin," Rodgers told reporters Tuesday. "I've been a fan of his for a long time. There's a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of them for 18 years. This is another one of those. There's something special about, obviously, this area, so many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh."

Rodgers joins a quarterback room that features Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The Steelers selected the latter with the 185th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.

Even though Rodgers doesn't owe Howard anything, he plans on mentoring the Ohio State product this season.

"Will is a good kid. We've gotten to talk a little bit," Rodgers told reporters, via CBS Sports. "I thought he did really well today. You know, he seems pretty bright, not too big for him, going through the progressions really well. But yeah, I mean, I'm gonna be with him every single day, in every single meeting. Found my seat next to him today in the offensive meeting - whether or not that sticks - right next to Will Howard. So I'm going to help him out as much as I can."

That's a classy message from Rodgers, make no mistake about it.

Howard showed a lot of promise during his only season at Ohio State. He completed 73.1 percent of his passes for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

If Howard learns a thing or two from Rodgers, he could very well develop into an NFL starter.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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