Steelers' Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin expand on growing 'bromance'

There's a "bromance" brewing in Steel City.

On "The Pat McAfee Show" earlier this week, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin opened up about the "bromance" they've built throughout 2025. 

During recent chats with The Athletic's Michael Silver, Rodgers and Tomlin expanded on their relationship ahead of what could become a life-altering season. 

"I was [very] honest with him about what was going on in my personal life," Rodgers said about conversations he had with Tomlin during the offseason. "Whether he wrote it down, I don’t give a (expletive). The fact that he would remember important things that were going on in my life was really meaningful to me. It felt like I was talking to a friend, not a coach. Because it wasn’t talking X’s and O’s; it was, 'How’s this person? How is that person doing?' And that really meant a lot to me, and it was at the forefront of my mind when I made this decision to play."

Rodgers visited the Steelers on March 21 but didn't sign, in part because he was dealing with personal issues. That said, the Steelers reportedly "were never really concerned" about Rodgers' intentions because the 41-year-old kept in touch with Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith throughout the spring. 

Rodgers eventually signed a team-friendly contract to join the Steelers in time to participate in Pittsburgh's three-day mandatory minicamp ahead of the club's summer break. 

"I don’t see any deterioration in his skill set or his talents, his ability to throw the football, his passion or relationship with the game," Tomlin said about his belief that Rodgers has plenty left in the tank coming off his lackluster two-season stint with the New York Jets. "He’s been really consistent in his messaging, dating back to the spring. His agenda is and has been winning, and that’s music to my ears. The love affair that he has with his game is equally as attractive to me as his statistics or his resume." 

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers at +125 betting odds to make the playoffs this season. Rodgers seemingly understands what's being said about Pittsburgh's squad this summer. 

"There are a lot of people talking about other teams, and at this point it’s totally fine," Rodgers added during his comments. "...I think the way we’re built, we’ve got a chance to be one of those teams in the mix when we get to December, when the weather changes and you’ve got to win some cold-weather games. And I’ve done that in the past over the years. A lot of guys are battle-strong and have been through some tough stuff. And with the leadership we’ve got — and with Mike T. — I like our chances." 

Rodgers previously insisted he wants to end his career "the right way" with the Steelers. Meanwhile, whispers suggesting the 2025 season could be Tomlin's last as Pittsburgh's head coach continue to hover over the organization during training camp. 

Tomlin, Rodgers and others associated with the club will attempt to block out all potential distractions as they prepare to open the upcoming campaign with a matchup at the Jets on Sept. 7.