The arrival of Aaron Rodgers to the Pittsburgh Steelers completely changed how the team is viewed heading into the 2025 NFL season. Previously seen as a major question mark due to the lack of a top quarterback, expectations around the franchise grew once Rodgers finally signed his contract, which fans had been anticipating.
Often seen as a toxic presence in locker rooms, Rodgers’ image has taken a hit in recent years because of his off-field controversies, frequently being considered a distraction. An NFL analyst discussed how the quarterback was received by the team and shared players’ opinions of him as a teammate.
What Do Steelers Players Think of Aaron Rodgers?
Rodgers’ arrival to the Steelers was highly anticipated by fans and analysts around the NFL. The team’s moves since the start of the offseason signaled interest in the veteran quarterback while its their decision not to make an aggressive move in the draft for a quarterback only reinforced that message.
The franchise waited as long as it could, and the deal finally happened. Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal, but while expectations rose, questions also emerged about how well he fits into the system. Analyst Jeff Hathhorn revealed how Rodgers was received by the roster and that some players experienced a reality check.
“I say this from talking to him, we’ve all talked to the guys, I think their impression was better than they anticipated,” Hathhorn said. “I think most of them are like ‘Yeah, he’s a cooler guy, he is more normal than what you hear about because you hear so many things about Aaron Rodgers.”
The Steelers plan for Rodgers to provide veteran leadership during the 2025 season while the team’s championship window remains open, and to help prepare his potential successor, rookie quarterback Will Howard from Ohio State. Howard even spoke about how his relationship with Rodgers has been so far and said that the quarterback’s guidance has been positive.
Will Howard says Aaron Rodgers has been a great mentor to him over the course of this week. Rodgers has been giving Howard tips:
“When he says it, he’s like, ‘I don’t want to overstep,’ I’m like, ‘dude, you’re—please, please by all means, tell me whatever you think.” pic.twitter.com/3BqzHwrVeV
— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) June 12, 2025
In recent years, Rodgers has become somewhat of a caricature of himself in the media. Always considered enigmatic but focused on the field, his recent appearances have shaped an image that goes beyond the professional athlete, turning him into a distraction who believes in conspiracy theories and speaks his mind without much filter.
But while that may be the image presented in the media, inside a locker room Rodgers is perceived differently. His focus is not questioned by teammates, and that is why some players might experience this reality check, expecting the same person they see in the media but finding out that the reality is different.
In 2024, Rodgers had a season considered underwhelming for failing to elevate the New York Jets as expected, but his numbers were solid, finishing the year with 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The expectation is that he can maintain that level of production on a more organized team and that this translates into a real chance to compete for a championship.
