For several months, all Pittsburgh Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II could do was speculate. To play the waiting game. Now that Aaron Rodgers is a Steeler, Rooney can talk beyond what-ifs. Interviewed during the first half of Saturday night’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rooney seemed elated to have Rodgers under contract, in the building, and as the team’s starting quarterback.
“Aaron’s come in and he’s been everything you could ask for in terms of working with his teammates, working with younger guys, working with the offense,” Rooney said during an in-game interview with announcers Bob Pompeani and Charlie Batch. “So, I like what I’ve seen so far from Aaron, for sure.”
During the three-month wait for Rodgers to sign, Rooney expressed optimism about a deal happening while noting the team [wouldn’t wait “forever.”](https://steelersdepot.com/2025/04/art-rooney-ii-steelers-willing-to-wait-for-aaron-rodgers-but-not-forever/)
Rodgers [inked a one-year deal on June 6 shortly](https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-agree-to-terms-with-rodgers) before the team began its three-day mandatory minicamp. Since, Rodgers has served as the team’s starting quarterback. In training camp, he flashed an arm that’s still strong and increased his chemistry with top wide receiver DK Metcalf.
But Rodgers also seemed to genuinely enjoy a “destination” training camp in Latrobe, Pa., giving him the chance to bond with teammates. During the stretch line in practice, he’d always work with the defensive group, later telling reporters it was an intentional act to get to know the entire roster. Rodgers has also embraced mentoring rookie quarterback Will Howard, who has been just as eager to learn all he can.
Rodgers’ chapter in Pittsburgh will be defined by much more than the summer. His and the team’s play in the fall and winter will be how it’s remembered. If he can lead Pittsburgh to the franchise’s first playoff win since 2016, it’ll be considered a success. Anything else will feel like a disappointment.
Until then, hope springs eternal in Rooney and the Steelers’ mind, just as it is for the other 31 NFL organizations.