2026 10 02T010033Z 341447123 MT1USATODAY29969234 RTRMADP 3 NFL PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Steelers WR Gives Blunt 'Throw You Into the Fire' Take on Aaron Rodgers' Ruthless Offensive Approach 1
Michael Pittman Jr. is still settling into life with the Steelers. Pittsburgh Steelers fell 27-24 at Cleveland on October 1, a Thursday night loss that left the team at 2-2. Now, with his former team coming to town, the veteran receiver has opened up about the toughest part of playing with Aaron Rodgers. His answer shows how steep the learning curve has been.
Michael Pittman Jr. explains Aaron Rodgers hand signals learning curve
Pittman joined the Steelers in March through a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh sent a sixth-round pick and received Pittman and a seventh-rounder. The team then signed him to a three-year, $59 million extension.
Learning Rodgers’ pre-snap system has been the hard part. According to Yahoo Sports reporter Jori Epstein, Pittman said there were no formal meetings to explain the signals when he arrived. Rodgers simply flashes a signal and snaps the ball, which leaves little room for second guesses.
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
“Aaron’s style is kind of like, throw you into the fire,” Pittman told Epstein. “It’s sort of funny because it’s almost like you learn it better once you mess it up the first time. Because you don’t want to mess it up again.”
Pittman believes the process works because mistakes stay with players.
Michael Pittman Jr. on chaos of Aaron Rodgers’ hand signals?
“Aaron’s style is kind of like, throw you into the fire…” he told me. “It’s sort of funny because it’s almost like you learn it better once you mess it up the first time. Because you don’t want to mess it up again.” https://t.co/i0T95r27NN
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 8, 2026
The signals are not his only hurdle. Michael Pittman Jr. has battled plantar fasciitis, missed the Week 2 loss to the Patriots and caught four passes for 31 yards over the last two games. He was also seen on a scooter with his foot elevated at practice this week.
Rodgers’ signal system has drawn attention far beyond Pittsburgh, and the numbers behind it are striking.
Will Howard’s Google Doc shows how big the Rodgers signal list became
Backup quarterback Will Howard gave a rare look at the system. Rodgers asked him to build a Google Doc of signals on the first day of 2025 training camp. The list began with about 25 to 30 signals and grew to roughly 75 by season’s end.
Epstein also gathered estimates from other teams. The Broncos reportedly use 15 to 25 signals, and the Ravens use 20 to 30. The Eagles and Seahawks sit around 50 to 60, still well below Rodgers’ total.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) scrambles against the New England Patriots in the first half at Gillette Stadium
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Receivers feel the weight of that list. DK Metcalf described it as a lot of signals, and tight end Pat Freiermuth said in training camp that he is still learning what Rodgers expects.
Rodgers’ demanding style has also shown on the sideline, including a heated exchange with head coach Mike McCarthy. If players who spent a full season with Rodgers are still catching up, it is easy to see why Pittman, a newcomer slowed by injury, needs extra time.
Pittsburgh hosts the Colts on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. Pittman faces his former team while still learning Rodgers’ system and managing a sore foot, so his comfort with the signals could shape how well the offense moves.
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