The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to bring in safety DeShon Elliott on a two-year deal worth $6 million ahead of the 2024 season. As the year progressed, it quickly became clear that Elliott was one of the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason. He brought a physical edge and leadership to the secondary, making clutch plays and helping stabilize a defense that needed consistency on the back end. His performance did not just meet expectations it quietly exceeded them.
While Elliott gained attention for his on-field performance, his personality on social media also made waves. When rumors swirled about Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the Steelers, Elliott did not hold back posting that Rodgers should be left at the retirement home. The comment sparked buzz online but to the surprise of many the two eventually crossed paths at a workout session and managed to squash any lingering tension. The moment became a rare glimpse of maturity amid the drama, but that did not mean the headlines stopped there.
On Monday an old clip resurfaced showing Elliott bluntly stating that he never liked Rodgers during his time with the Detroit Lions. Now that Rodgers has officially joined the Steelers things could get awkward in the locker room.
— 1-1-1-1 (@pahrduve) June 9, 2025
While Elliott has proven to be a valuable part of the defense, fans are keeping a close eye on how this dynamic will play out. With two strong personalities under the same roof, Pittsburgh might be in for one of the more compelling behind-the-scenes storylines of the 2025 season.
Of course, Elliott isn’t happy to see his past words resurface now. He quickly defended himself from his personal social media account.
"Man, quit spreading negativity," Elliott replied.
Elliott’s social media presence has really taken off since joining the Steelers, becoming one of the more outspoken and entertaining voices among the team’s players. During Pittsburgh’s promising win streak in the 2024 season, Elliott shared a series of posts on his Instagram that quickly caught fans’ attention for their boldness.
Among those posts was a controversial meme featuring Head Coach Mike Tomlin, edited to resemble Osama bin Laden. The post sparked immediate backlash due to its insensitive nature, especially given the serious connotations associated with the imagery.
When questioned about the post, Elliott explained that he simply saw the meme online, found it funny, and didn’t intend to offend anyone by sharing it. He emphasized that his goal was never to disrespect Tomlin or the Steelers organization, but rather to share humor that had circulated within his social circles.
Despite his explanation, the post was widely criticized by fans and media alike for crossing a line, highlighting the risks players face when blending personal expression with professional responsibilities on social media platforms. Reports soon emerged that Team President Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan intervened, insisting that Elliott remove the post immediately. Both leaders made it clear that the meme’s portrayal of Tomlin was unacceptable and did not reflect the values or image the franchise wants to uphold.
Their firm stance underscored the importance of maintaining respect and professionalism, especially in a high-profile organization like the Steelers. While Elliott remains a fan favorite for his on-field play and candid personality, this situation served as a reminder that social media can be a double-edged sword, requiring careful navigation even for the most well-meaning players.
When Elliott first made his comments about Rodgers and the retirement home, many Steelers fans found it both true and funny. Rodgers is 41 and will turn 42 in December, which is considered old for an NFL player. Still, if Rodgers has anything left, he could make a big impact.
The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and adding a veteran like Rodgers might be the move to end that drought. With Rodgers now in Pittsburgh, Elliott seems ready to move past his old comments and focus on the team.
Fans are hopeful Rodgers can help the Steelers finally win another playoff game. Elliott’s change in tone reflects the excitement around Rodgers joining the team and the hope for a brighter future.
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