Aaron Rodgers 'Had to Remember' How to Play Video Games to Bond with Steelers Players

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has enjoyed bonding with his new teammates during training camp.

Even into his 21st NFL season, Rodgers said the small moments away from the field are what he gained the most from in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Among the examples was how he had to pick the sticks back up and sharpen his video game skills, per The Athletic's Mike Jones:

"You know, the connections that happened here. Yesterday, we had a home run derby, and I was out in the hot sun just shagging shortstop for the most part, ragging on (long snapper) Christian Kuntz for making a bunch of errors at the hot corner.

"But it's just those moments that you love. And as much as I look forward to my bed and not have to worry about bed bugs at times, I'll miss this experience, just because it's really special to make this walk down the hill (from the dorms to the practice fields) every day and see the fans and the crowd, even when it's a hot day like today, is pretty special. And, you know, have the times in the cafeteria with the guys. … And then, you know, the night times over in the dorms where you're talking football, talking life, playing cards, whatever it is, playing video games. I forgot how to play video games, but I had to remember just to connect with those guys. I'll definitely miss that."

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Rodgers has shown "a willingness to articulate the game and teach others" since signing with the team in June.

"Tireless communication about football and what we’re aspiring to get done," the coach said. "I think it's indicative of someone with his resume. You don’t have the type of resume and experience he has had in this game without a unique approach, unique relationship or unique process in terms of readiness."

Tomlin previously said on The Pivot Podcast that Rodgers' desire to be a veteran leader was one of the things that convinced him the 41-year-old was a good fit:

Rodgers' wistful tone about training camp is colored by the fact he knows he doesn't have many more left. This might be his last.

The four-time MVP is only signed with Pittsburgh for one season, and he said in June on The Pat McAfee Show he's "pretty sure" 2025 will be his NFL swan song.

In the past, Rodgers wasn't always dialed in when it came to his level of commitment to the offseason. Toward the end of his run with the Green Bay Packers, he skipped some of their workouts. Last year, he received a fine from the New York Jets because he missed their mandatory minicamp while on a trip to Egypt.

This summer, the surefire Hall of Famer is making sure to savor every moment.