Aaron Rodgers Says Return About 'Love of the Game,' Explains Picking 'Iconic' Steelers

Aaron Rodgers had his introductory press conference on Tuesday after signing an offseason deal to become the new quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"There's a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of them [the Green Bay Packers] for 18 years. This is another one of those," he told reporters. "There's something special obviously about this area, so many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh."

Rodgers took a good chunk of the offseason to deliberate on a return this season, but ultimately was motivated by his passion for football.

"I have a lot that motivates me but this is about the love of the game... making peace with a nice, long career," he said.

He indicated that the chance to work with head coach Mike Tomlin was a major motivating factor in signing with the Steelers.

"A big attraction was Mike Tomlin," he told reporters. "I've gone against him over the years. ... The last Sunday that I called him was some of the coolest conversations I've had."

Rodgers also took the time to get a bit philosophical.

"I don't need it for my ego, I don't need it to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I've made over my career, and life, from strictly an ego—even if they turn out well—are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling. So this was a decision that was best for my soul."

And he addressed the reasons for his decision to wait until later in the offseason to sign a contract.

"I was dealing with a lot of things in my personal life," he told reporters. "And some things improved a little bit, where I felt like I could fully be all-in with the guys. I had great conversation with Mike (Tomlin) throughout the entire process, and Omar (Khan)."

While there are questions about how much the 41-year-old Rodgers has left in the tank, he's undoubtedly an upgrade over Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard. The 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time MVP and one-time champion wasn't great in 2024 for the New York Jets (3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions)—his mobility, for one, is far more limited at this point in his career—but he wasn't the main reason for the team's 5-12 record, either.

The Steelers are hoping that with a better supporting cast and culture around him, Rodgers can be the sort of veteran game-manager who helps lead the team on a title run, similar to Peyton Manning's final year with the Denver Broncos. Time will tell, but Rodgers certainly seems at peace with his decision.