The Pittsburgh Steelers have been criticized for signing four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The quarterback has a history of elite performance in the NFL and plenty of playoff experience. Still, his age and apparent indifference have left many Steelers fans upset with their team’s high-profile gamble.
But it’s not just the fans who are upset. Several media personalities have also questioned the move. Former NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington is one of them and called out the Steelers for what he said was “a horrible mistake.”
LaVar Arrington Calls Out Steelers Over Aaron Rodgers ‘Mistake’
Pittsburgh faced heavy criticism for its passive approach to the quarterback position earlier this offseason. The Steelers were the only team in the NFL to enter June without a clear starter. While the signing of Rodgers settled the concern for some fans, it sparked even more backlash for others.
Rodgers recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he said he was fed up with the media’s constant coverage. The veteran quarterback said he plans to disappear from the spotlight once he retires, which he hinted could happen in 2026.
After Rodgers’ appearance, Arrington called out the Steelers for bringing him in. He said Rodgers is acting in his own self-interest, not in the best interest of the team.
“This man is living life. He’s telling y’all, just blatantly telling y’all, ‘I’m living life the way I wanna live life. I’m doing things the way I wanna do things. I am on my own terms right now. And when you don’t see me playing anymore, you won’t see me at all. I’m on my time right now.'”
“This is a BIG GIANT RED FLAG! Why is Pittsburgh doing this? Why are you bringing in this guy to play for your team? This is a horrible mistake. I hope Rodgers takes this opportunity and doesn’t **** Mike Tomlin.”
🎙️@LaVarArrington on Aaron Rodgers’ Retirement comments pic.twitter.com/Ich6H6nfBJ
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) June 26, 2025
“Why are you bringing in this guy to play for your team? I’m sorry, I’ve just gotta say it; this is a horrible mistake!”
Rodgers’ Reputation Severely Damaged by Two-Year Spell With the Jets
Beyond his outspoken comments on society, Rodgers has earned a reputation as a disruptive presence in recent years.
His choice to skip the Jets’ mandatory minicamp in 2024 to travel to Egypt, even after missing nearly a full season with an Achilles injury, sparked plenty of criticism. He was also caught on camera frustrated with receiver Mike Williams early in the season after a miscommunication on a route, something that extra reps might have fixed.
Reports also swirled about Rodgers’ tense relationship with then-Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Despite the defense playing well, Saleh was fired just five games into the 2024 season, while Rodgers and the offense struggled. Rodgers has denied having a role in the firing, but the topic is still debated.
