Aaron Rodgers’ free agency decision was the highlight of this offseason, and after he officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the focus shifted to the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp. Rodgers was the center of the NFL world on Tuesday, June 10, as the minicamps kicked off, and he took the field for the first time as a Steeler, throwing to DK Metcalf and other receivers at the UPMC.
Best Aaron Rodgers’ Moments From Day 1 Of Steelers Minicamp
After months of speculation, Rodgers officially signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers on June 7. As a result, Steeler Nation collectively let out a sigh of relief.
Had Rodgers chosen to retire or sign with another team, the Steelers’ season could have imploded before it began. They could have turned to other backup veteran quarterback options like Kirk Cousins, but any hopes for a successful 2025 season heavily relied on Rodgers leading the offense.
With Rodgers officially on board, the veteran took the field for the first time as a Steeler on Tuesday and participated in the individual drills to get himself going. The 41-year-old was also spotted getting some work in with Metcalf, but that wasn’t the first time he was doing that. Rodgers was spotted throwing to Metcalf even before officially signing with the Steelers.
Your first look: Aaron Rodgers in #Steelers gear.
(📸 @NFL) pic.twitter.com/8l91nqsBoY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 10, 2025
However, Rodgers only became familiar with the playcalling during the team drills. He listened to the calls through his helmet and repeated them to get up to speed with Mike Tomlin’s offense.
Obligatory B-roll of Aaron Rodgers on his first day of practice with the Steelers. Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/JnbUZac90x
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) June 10, 2025
It was Tomlin who served as the biggest motivation for Rodgers to join the Steelers.
“I think it starts with Mike Tomlin,” said Rodgers after the practice. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. There are a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of them for 18 years. This is another one.”
Entering his 21st NFL season, 2025 could very well be Rodgers’ final campaign in the league. He was contemplating retirement this offseason as well, but now that he is committed to the Steelers and his newlywed wife, he will be hoping to leave Pittsburgh with two rings on his hand.
Last season, the Steelers won 10 games using a combination of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson under center. Even at 41 years old, Rodgers should provide the team with an upgrade at the most critical position in football.
Unfortunately, the Steelers lost several key offensive weapons this offseason, including running back Najee Harris and wide receiver George Pickens. They have replaced them with rookie running back Kaleb Johnson and Metcalf, but this roster isn’t much better than a season ago.
Even with Rodgers officially on board, the Steelers remain massive underdogs to win the division. According to DraftKings, the Steelers are +550 to win the AFC North, trailing the Baltimore Ravens (-145) and the Cincinnati Bengals (+230).
These concerns, in addition to his personal issues, likely explain why it took Rodgers so long to fully commit to returning this season. However, since football is such an important part of his life, it’s easy to see why he made this decision, and he would want to overcome the odds to cap off a Hall of Fame career.
