The Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the NFL’s biggest mysteries heading into the 2025-26 season. Head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to have a losing record, but many are skeptical about the Aaron Rodgers experiment.
Rodgers played his heart out with the New York Jets last season, trying to come back from his Achilles tear. Unfortunately, it turned out to be for a struggling team that can’t seem to find its footing. Now, a former Steeler wants to speak with him ahead of the season.
Why Does One Former Steelers Super Bowl Winner Think Aaron Rodgers Should Talk to Him?
Having played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2006 to 2013, Ryan Clark believes he’s entitled to a conversation with the team’s newest quarterback. Keep in mind, he’s not a beat reporter. He doesn’t cover the team specifically. Instead, he’s one of ESPN’s regular analysts on numerous shows.
Clark’s request left Asante Samuel speechless. The two-time Super Bowl Champion and four-time Pro Bowler has more accolades to his name than Clark does. In no way is he comparing his career to Clark’s, but he was dumbfounded by the one-time Pro Bowler’s comments.
The situation highlights how media personalities sometimes overestimate their access to current players. Clark’s tenure with the Steelers ended over a decade ago, yet he seems to believe his former connection entitles him to special treatment.
“What is going on with Ryan Clark? Ryan Clark thinks because he played for the Steelers that Aaron Rodgers should sit down and talk to him. Aaron Rodgers ain’t stunting you fool,” Samuel spoke.
He added, “ESPN really got dude thinking he’s someone out here, man. Salute ESPN. They’re making people famous and taking them out of their reality. I think he really believed that he was an awesome football player now that he’s on ESPN.”
What Kind of Conversation Does Clark Actually Want?
“But I’m just curious, what kind of conversation does Ryan Clark want to have with Aaron Rodgers? Is this just bait to get him on the platform and run the numbers up?” Samuel questioned.
It’s no secret that anything Rodgers is attached to is a huge draw. The 41-year-old quarterback has become one of, if not the most polarizing player in the league. His past comments and decisions are constantly brought up and scrutinized, though the Steelers quarterback doesn’t seem to care.
Football remains his main focus, while it seems Clark has a trick or two up his sleeve. Samuel’s point about driving up platform numbers makes sense, considering how media personalities often use controversial topics to boost engagement.
Many were quick to mention Rodgers and the Packers’ victory over Clark’s Steelers in 2011. Clark does have a Super Bowl to his name, but Rodgers is one of the main reasons he doesn’t have a second ring. That loss still stings for Pittsburgh fans who remember watching their championship hopes disappear.
Ultimately, whatever they would discuss in a sit-down interview remains a mystery as it’s highly unlikely Rodgers would even entertain the idea. The veteran quarterback has shown little interest in accommodating media requests that don’t serve his interests, especially from former players trying to leverage past connections.
