Rookie Drew Allar might be in Mike McCarthy’s “QB School”, but he’s also learning on the job from Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers’ starting quarterback and a future Hall of Famer, Rodgers has been open with his knowledge and experience. He helped nurture Will Howard a year ago as a rookie, and now he’s doing the same for the newcomer.
“Aaron’s been a huge help to not only me, but the whole room”, Allar said of Rodgers via the Steelers’ website. “But with me specifically, he’s pulled me aside during practice to talk through some drill work or things to focus on throughout different drills. In the film room, just asking me questions of what I was seeing, what I was looking at, and why. Giving me a lot of knowledge. I’m really excited to keep learning from him. Obviously, he’s one of the best to ever do it in this game, so the opportunity I have is one I’m not gonna take for granted”.
Unlike last year, Aaron Rodgers reported in time for OTAs. During the 2025 offseason, he signed shortly before the veteran minicamp, which he did not participate in. That means Drew Allar has already had considerably more access to him than Will Howard did a year ago.
This time, Rodgers has already said this will be his last season, though, which adds another wrinkle. While they want to win with Rodgers this year, the Steelers also want to develop and evaluate their young quarterbacks. That goes for both Allar and Howard, the latter of whom many predict will be the backup this season.
The Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round, believing in his talent and natural ability. And also believing in McCarthy and his track record of developing quarterbacks. They hope it is the ideal combination of talent, development, and value that will result in a home-run move.
While it’s up to McCarthy, Brian Angelichio, and Tom Arth to coach Allar, Aaron Rodgers is also clearly and willingly a part of his development. Going back to last year, he’s spoken of his desire to give back to the game. A big part of that is passing on the knowledge he’s accumulated over decades of playing.
That’s one advantage Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick, never had, stuck instead with Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky. And Matt Canada, for that matter. Clearly, the Steelers have a much better, more nurturing environment for their current young quarterbacks. And while intentionally or not, Rodgers is very much a part of that for both Allar and Howard.
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