In the nine-decade history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, this kind of waiting game just doesn’t happen. Known for being one of the NFL’s most stable and traditional franchises, the Steelers don’t do drama, delays, or distractions. Art “The Chief” Rooney built the organization on discipline and patience.
His son Dan carried that torch with a steady hand. Right now, both are probably rolling in their graves. The team that once prided itself on quiet consistency is suddenly caught in a very un-Steelers-like saga — waiting on a 41-year-old quarterback who hasn’t even committed to playing yet (at least not publicly).
Steelers Flip the Script in Hopes of Aaron Rodgers’ ‘Lightning in a Bottle’
This isn’t how Pittsburgh typically operates. And yet, here they are, betting big on Aaron Rodgers. Rich Eisen offered a blunt take on why the Steelers are sticking it out. While it’s easy to question why the team stays in limbo, he said the answer is simple: Potential.
“The reason why they’re waiting for Aaron Rodgers is because Mason Rudolph, they’ve been there and they’ve done that,” Eisen said on the May 14 episode of “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“I’m sure [Rudolph] would say, ‘Listen, if Aaron Rodgers stays in Malibu, I’ll prove myself right for the umpteenth time for this franchise.’”
That sentiment captures Pittsburgh’s internal debate. On one hand, Mason Rudolph knows the offense and helped keep the team afloat when called on during his previous four seasons with the team. On the other, Rodgers is Rodgers — even if he’s now more question mark than sure thing.
“But they’re waiting on Aaron Rodgers because he’s Aaron Rodgers,” Eisen continued. “And if he catches lightning in a bottle, like his last few years in Green Bay as MVP … maybe they catch the lightning in a bottle. So that’s why they’re waiting for him.”
“This is all very un-Steelers-like. It really is big time,” Eisen emphasized. “It’s un-Steelers-like to say, ‘We’re cool waiting for you to work through whatever you’re working through as long as we feel like you’re coming.’”
Eisen accurately observed: The old Steelers, whom their fans all know and love, would’ve responded differently by now.
“We’re the Pittsburgh Steelers. You want to play for us? Make a decision ready,” he said.
Mike Tomlin, always the stabilizing voice in Pittsburgh, seems willing to gamble on Rodgers rediscovering his MVP form. The Jets didn’t get that version last season after Rodgers tore his Achilles on his first drive. But if Pittsburgh does—even for one playoff run—the risk could pay off in a way that a Rudolph-led season likely wouldn’t.
According to Eisen, Pittsburgh is confident Rodgers will report eventually, and they’re fine waiting through OTAs if that’s what it takes.
“They have basically been told, essentially, from what I’ve been told — it’s going to happen,” Eisen added. “What do they need him here for now? Show up in the summer … we’ll see them on NFL Network in Dublin, Ireland in Week 3. By then, all the rust should be knocked off. Unless he doesn’t come.”
If this is Rodgers’ final ride, Eisen sees Pittsburgh as the perfect destination.
“One last run around the NFL, one last orbit around the NFL with a chance to win a ring. That looks like Pittsburgh, and I think the Steelers know it.”
In other words, Pittsburgh isn’t being patient because they’re passive — they’re being patient because they see a shot at greatness. And that’s something worth waiting for.