Former MVP names reason Aaron Rodgers has 'potential' to win big with Steelers

Whether or not 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers will turn the clock back to his best days as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers later this year will be one of the most-discussed NFL-related topics of the summer. 

During a recent chat with Ryan Gaydos of Fox News Digital, one-time NFL Most Valuable Player and former signal-caller Joe Theismann shared why he believes Rodgers has the "potential to be successful" with the Steelers through at least January 2026.

"Now he just gets to play quarterback," Theismann said about Rodgers. "He doesn't have to be assistant general manager. He doesn't have to worry about personnel. The only thing he needs to worry about is being able to run this offense, nothing else. So, from my perspective, I think it takes a burden off him to be honest with you. And instead of trying to make a team better, just be part of a team and do your part to make it better."

Theismann seemingly was referencing how the New York Jets allegedly gave Rodgers "power" during his two-season stint with the organization. The Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett, a Rodgers favorite, as their offensive coordinator before they officially acquired the future Hall of Famer from the Green Bay Packers in the spring of 2023. New York later signed multiple players who were on a supposed "wish list" that Rodgers submitted to the Jets. 

Additionally, it's assumed Jets owner Woody Johnson stuck with both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas following the 2023 campaign because they had Rodgers' support. 

Earlier this month, Pittsburgh married Rodgers with head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Steelers may eventually trade for a receiver who has experience catching passes thrown by Rodgers during games, but Pittsburgh admittedly has a need at the position heading into the summer.

"You’re a part of the football team, you know, the way you earn respect is you go out and do your job, and you study hard, and you work hard," Theismann added about Rodgers joining a club that is run by a well-respected coach in Tomlin. "And, of course, Aaron is saying all the right things right now, and I believe he is going to do the right things."

Thus far, Rodgers has done well to fit in as "one of the dudes" with the Steelers. Time will tell if he will remain a gold soldier through the inevitable ups and downs all teams experience during a grueling NFL season.