Steelers' Aaron Rodgers blasts critics of Mike Tomlin

Somewhat interestingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers signing Aaron Rodgers to be their starting quarterback in June seemed to spark an uptick in chatter regarding Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin possibly being on the hot seat this summer. 

During a Wednesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers sent a strong message to those who have suggested that the Steelers could part ways with Tomlin in January 2026. 

"Mike T is the man," Rodgers said, as shared by Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. "Any hate, disrespect and the ilk is complete and utter (expletive). From day one that we talked on the phone in the offseason, I was never talking to a head coach. I was talking to a friend. I respected the hell out of that. I have crazy respect for him."

It's no secret that players around the league possess a ton of respect for Tomlin, who has never had a losing season since he became Pittsburgh's head coach in 2007. That said, the fact that the Steelers haven't notched a playoff victory since the 2016 season has understandably caused some fans and local media personalities to wonder if a change could soon do everybody involved some good. 

Ever since Rodgers accepted a team-friendly contract to join the Steelers, he has made it known on numerous occasions that playing for Tomlin is one thing that attracted the 41-year-old to the AFC North club. On Wednesday, Rodgers opened up about what he's seen from Tomlin since Pittsburgh's three-day mandatory minicamp in June. 

"The way that he leads the room, the way that he talks in team meetings, the way he is at practice -- the surprise has been just what a great dude he is," Rodgers added about Tomlin. "What a great leader he is. On top of what I already expected, which was already high, based off what I thought from afar. ...He's the type of guy that every great coach makes you want to play for him. And what I mean, to expand on that, is you care so deeply about the person, you don't want to let him down."

Rodgers not wanting to let Tomlin down seems to be a big reason the future Hall of Famer has fully "bought in" as it pertains to trying to end his career "the right way" with the Steelers. Outsiders will get to see if Rodgers is truly a perfect fit for the Pittsburgh offense when the Steelers open the upcoming season with a matchup at the New York Jets, Rodgers' former team, on Sept. 7.