Steelers legend adds to Aaron Rodgers hype after visiting joint practice

NFL analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon claimed earlier in August that quarterback Aaron Rodgers had looked "really, really good" in training camp. 

More recently, Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger visited Pittsburgh for a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. During the latest edition of his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast, he gave the Rodgers hype train a little extra momentum. 

"His arm looks good," Roethlisberger said about Rodgers, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "At some point before the season starts, I'm gonna go back through my notebook, and I might have to readjust my pick for the season in wins and losses."

According to Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger predicted that the 2025 Steelers would go 11-6. Roethlisberger now seems to believe Rodgers could produce an even better season with Pittsburgh as long as his offensive line can adequately protect him. 

"Let me tell you this," Roethlisberger said. "When they get going, I’m telling you, it’s going to be something special, okay? If Aaron can have the time to throw the ball, you’re going to see some crazy stuff happen."

Rodgers was underwhelming with the New York Jets last season, coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. That said, the 41-year-old was slowed by physical setbacks even before the Jets shockingly fired head coach Robert Saleh when they were 2-3.

Shortly after the Steelers acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in March, he was spotted working out with Rodgers. Metcalf impressed Roethlisberger while on the practice field.

"Metcalf is an absolute animal," Roethlisberger added during the podcast. "He has not had a quarterback of Aaron’s caliber. …We haven’t seen what DK Metcalf can do on a football field. We’ve seen him make some really cool plays, but he has not had a quarterback even close to the caliber of Aaron Rodgers."

It remains to be seen how Rodgers will perform once he starts taking hits when Pittsburgh opens the regular season at the Jets on Sept. 7. Thus far, his actions have indicated he's thrilled to be with the Steelers following his two-campaign stint in New York. 

"He really, really enjoys it here," Roethlisberger said about Rodgers. "He is excited to be here, and he is 100 percent dialed. He's dialed in."