The Pittsburgh Steelers have a starting quarterback.
An ego-driven, soul-bearing, newly-married enigma of a quarterback.
The deal is on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ one-year, $13.65 million deal, and he's now large and in charge in The Steel City ... and now talking for the first time about the process that brought him here.
“A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and in 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. This is a decision that was best for my soul,” Rodgers said to reporters. “I just want to have fun here. I want to enjoy the game. The game has given me a ton.
"It’s hard to think of anything in my life that’s positive that wasn’t impacted by, directly or indirectly, my playing this game.”
It has long been the expectation that Rodgers would come to an agreement with Pittsburgh. ... with some of his delay being tied to his personal life. He confirmed this week that he's a newlywed ... and between deep-thought talks on ego and soul, he mentioned something else. ...
The option of retiring instead of signing with coach Mike Tomlin's club.
"There was conversations with other organizations, for sure," Rodgers said. "But, again, the rapport that fell in between me and Mike made it to where, as I was going through my personal stuff, there wasn't any other option for me.
"It was here or not play."
So "here'' it is ... with the self-appointed "enigma'' Rodgers working to put his stamp on a contender, as the four-time MVP once did with the Packers but failed to do with the Jets.
“I just want to give back to the game, enjoy it, pass on my knowledge to my teammates, and try to find ways to help lead the team,” Rodgers said.