Aaron Rodgers described the decision to continue playing football as one that came from the soul and added that Mike Tomlin was a primary reason for him being drawn to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"A big attraction was Mike Tomlin," Rodgers said Tuesday after his first minicamp with his new team. "I've gone against him over the years. The way that the conversations went between him and I (prior to the signing) ... was some of the coolest conversations I've had in the game - definitely with a head coach. He's a big reason I'm here. I believe in him and excited to play for him."
The Steelers signed Rodgers to a one-year, $13.65-million contract that could be worth up to $19.5 million. The two sides expressed interest throughout the offseason but didn't iron out a deal until Saturday.
"I don't need it (football). For my ego, I don't need ... to keep playing," Rodgers said. "A lot of decisions that I've made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling. So, this was a decision that was best for my soul."
The Steelers will be Rodgers' third stop in his career. He spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, though they lacked success. He tore his Achilles four snaps into his Jets debut in 2023, and his 2024 comeback season ended with 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 5-12 record.
Rodgers added that he spoke with multiple organizations but that the Steelers were the only option for him.
The 10-time Pro Bowler sits atop a depth chart that consists of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and sixth-round rookie Will Howard. Pittsburgh lost its two quarterbacks who started for the franchise in 2024, with Justin Fields signing with the New York Jets and Russell Wilson joining the New York Giants.
Rodgers, 41, spent the first 18 years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He won his only Super Bowl against his current team, leading the Packers to a 31-25 victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.
The future Hall of Famer has been named league MVP four times and has totaled 503 touchdowns and 116 interceptions.
