The Pittsburgh Steelers await quarterback Aaron Rodgers' choice as he weighs a return.
The Pittsburgh Steelers want Aaron Rodgers back. The 42-year-old quarterback said at the end of last season that he would consider a return engagement with them for the upcoming season.
Still, the NFL's oldest player has yet to decide whether to play again next season or retire. Adding another layer of uncertainty, Rodgers is a free agent, meaning he could choose to play elsewhere.
The Steelers, recognizing Rodgers' current indecision, are prepared to wait patiently as he determines his next move.
“I think experience plays a part, not just his but mine as well," Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Monday at the NFL’s annual meetings in Phoenix. "Twenty years ago, and I think we all do this, we probably reacted to situations differently than we do today. Emotion, education, and maturity matter. I'm comfortable with the dialogue so far. We'll keep working."
McCarthy is preparing for his first season with the Steelers, replacing Mike Tomlin, who retired at the end of last season after 19 years as head coach. However, McCarthy and Rodgers have a longstanding relationship as they were together for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 18.
Building on their rapport, McCarthy said he has spoken regularly to Rodgers since being hired Jan. 27, noting the four-time MFL MVP is in a “positive space.”
What do the conversations entail?
"Like always, life and football keep going at the facility," McCarthy said. "He's really engaged. He's in a positive place. We'll keep having conversations. We've been talking every few days, and we'll continue doing that."
Last season, Rodgers led the Steelers to the AFC North title in his Pittsburgh debut. He completed 327 of 498 (65.7%) passes for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns while being intercepted seven times.
Yet, in the Steelers’ 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in an AFC Wild Card playoff game, Rodgers was just 17-of-33 passing for 146 yards and a pick-six.
Despite the poor postseason performance, Pittsburgh still wants Rodgers to return, while McCarthy enjoys catching up with Rodgers on the phone as he awaits a decision.
"The personal part of it will always be the same," McCarthy said. "Football guys, they talk about the past. We talked about plays in 2010. We're talking a lot about football and his experience in Pittsburgh. We talk a lot about football and just where he is in his life right now."
Steeler Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.