Steelers' Mike Tomlin Says His Job Is to Keep Aaron Rodgers 'Engaged' and 'Having Fun'

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is focused on ensuring that Aaron Rodgers stays locked in and enjoys his first season with the team.

"It's my job to make sure that he's engaged, that he's having fun, that the things that attracted him to the game 20 years ago still resonate with him and he feels it in this environment today," Tomlin told NFL Network's Kyle Brandt (1:20 mark).

It's understandable that Tomlin may be taking a different approach with Rodgers compared to other players given his decades of experience, as the four-time MVP passer is preparing to enter his 21st season in the NFL.

The veteran quarterback spent his 2024 campaign with the New York Jets, but signed a one-year contract worth $13.6 million with the Steelers in free agency after the Jets released him.

Rodgers completed 63.0 percent of his throws for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions during his final year in New York.

He revealed that Tomlin's laid-back approach played a role in his decision to sign with Pittsburgh.

"At no point during the conversations, which were weekly at least, did I ever feel like I was talking to a coach who needed something from me," Rodgers told Brandt. "'I need you to give me this,' 'Give me that,' 'Give me an answer.' It was like you're talking to an old friend. At my age, at my experience, I just really appreciated that."

Rodgers will look to help the Steelers make a deep playoff run, as they've suffered postseason exits in the wild card round during four of the past five years.