As the Steelers search for a quarterback ahead of the 2025 season, longtime defensive captain Cam Heyward offered a no-frills message to free agent Aaron Rodgers.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Heyward addressed recent comments he made on his Not Just Football podcast about Rodgers, who visited the Steelers' facility on Friday. The visit lasted around six hours and was described as "positive," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"Everybody gave me crap… I just said I was not going to go on a darkness retreat to recruit him," Heyward said. "If he wants to be a Steeler, he can be a Steeler. That's the pitch."
Heyward drew attention earlier in the week when he said he wouldn't participate in any grand recruiting gestures. "I ain't doing that darkness retreat," he said. "Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don't."
Cam Heyward on the @RichEisenShow talking about his recent Aaron Rodger comments. #Steelers#NFLpic.twitter.com/mQxTcuvDNm
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) March 22, 2025
Rodgers, 41, has been linked to both the Steelers and Giants this offseason. Pittsburgh's QB room remains unsettled after a 10-7 campaign that saw both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson under center. Fields has since signed with the Jets, while Wilson is still a free agent. The team recently re-signed Mason Rudolph.
Rodgers, who threw for 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season with the Jets, remains one of the top quarterbacks on the market. Heyward made it clear: if Rodgers wants in, the door's open-but the team isn't begging.
Related: Steelers Star Sends Clear Message to Aaron Rodgers Amid Free Agency Rumors
Related: Chiefs Star Claims He Was a Major Influence on Travis Kelce's Retirement Decision
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM.