On September 6, former quarterback Tom Brady took to his Instagram Stories, sharing a “great reminder” with his fans. He put up an Albert Einstein quote that read,
“Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.”
Tom Brady Instagram Story
Tom Brady’s Instagram Story | Credits: Instagram
This post was made right after Brady backed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB Aaron Rodgers, who’s also named the team’s captain. Released by the New York Jets (majorly due to mediocre play) in 2024, Rodgers joined the Steelers this year. He signed a $19.5M deal, with $10M fully guaranteed.
Speaking toPro Football Focus, Brady offered pointed advice to the veteran QB. He acknowledged concerns about Rodgers’ gameplay while also showing support amid the captaincy criticism.
“We all have to evolve and grow. Some of it is more mentally. How do we make the game a little more simple for ourselves so that we can execute faster? And then emotionally, how do we connect with our teammates and bring that competitive positive attitude to work every single day?
And sometimes when you go through tough times like he did with the Jets, you know you get reinvigorated by going to another organization like the Steelers that has had so much consistency in their success and that could allow Aaron to achieve what he hopes to go out on the highest of possible notes.”
His counsel arrives just days after the Steelers announced the Super Bowl XLV champ as their offensive captain for the 2025 season, his 15th time earning that honor across three franchises.
Critics have questioned whether a 41-year-old QB, who’s had a challenging season with the Jets, can lead a new locker room and carry a franchise with high playoff expectations. Social media and sports pundits alike have poked fun at his “captaincy,” alluding to the contrast between A-Rod’s veteran status and the team’s younger core.
With the season opener looming and seeing Rodgers now the focal point of Pittsburgh’s offense, Brady will, for the first time, watch as a broadcaster from the booth.
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Could Unlock Darnell Washington as Secret Weapon in 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks along the sideline with a head set during the first half of the first preseason game where the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday Aug. 9, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
As Pittsburgh prepares for this season, one of its most intriguing assets could be TE Darnell Washington. Standing 6’7″ and weighing over 260 pounds, Washington is a physical anomaly with the agility to match. After two seasons primarily focused on blocking, he’s now poised to become a significant receiving threat. During training camp, QB Aaron Rodgers frequently targeted Washington in red-zone drills.
Rodgers has expressed confidence in Washington’s abilities, noting his versatility and potential as a mismatch for defenders. This connection could elevate Washington’s role, especially in high-leverage situations. With the Steelers’ offense emphasizing tight end utilization under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Washington’s development as a receiving option could be pivotal in 2025.
If Rodgers and Washington’s rapport strengthens, the Steelers may’ve uncovered a potent weapon to complement their offensive arsenal.