Mike Tomlin is a major reason Aaron Rodgers chose to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Tomlin and Rodgers have long respected one another, and it seems Rodgers’ respect for Tomlin was a big reason he decided to continue playing and not retire.
“Steelers never wavered in their belief that Aaron Rodgers eventually would sign with Pittsburgh. Steelers HC Mike Tomlin loomed large in this entire situation. Tomlin was a drawing card for Rodgers, and was happy to work within Rodgers’ timeline. He is a major reason that Rodgers will be a Steeler,” Schefter wrote.
In the past, Rodgers has praised Tomlin’s handling of an NFL locker room and loves the way Tomlin commands respect from his players.
“I’ve been around a lot of Pittsburgh people over the years, and I have loved my time with all of them,” Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show. “I have learned to speak the language really well... It’s a great blue-collar town. It’s got a lot of history, that city. Mike Tomlin, been there forever... I have a ton of respect for Mike, I think he’s a fantastic coach, I love the way that he leads, I love the way that he talks after games, he also seems to keep things really even-keeled, and it looks like he’s somebody that the players love playing for.”
Rodgers had 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 2024. He went just 5-12 in his starts with the Jets, and even after they acquired Davante Adams, went just 3-8. It was a tough season for Rodgers, who also had multiple leg injuries.
The Steelers think something remains in the tank for the former four-time MVP. They had zeroed in on him as their target, and even though they had to wait a while, Rodgers is now set to be their starting quarterback.