Aaron Rodgers' 'Phenomenal' Steelers Training Camp Reportedly Praised by NFL Insiders

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers "has quietly had a phenomenal training camp," according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

"Rodgers, according to folks I've talked with in Pittsburgh, looks refreshed, healthy, and ready to roll," the NFL insider said.

Hope always springs eternal before the start of a new season. Last August, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was enthusiastic about a different veteran quarterback whose career was trending in the wrong direction.

The Russell Wilson era started off well in the Steel City when he replaced Justin Fields. The fact the Steelers didn't bring him back tells you all you need to know about how things ultimately unfolded.

Time will tell whether Pittsburgh and Rodgers are in a honeymoon phase or the 41-year-old is truly refreshed with a change of scenery.

The reality is, the 2021 season is the last time Rodgers performed at a high level. That was when he earned his last Pro Bowl nod and the most recent of his four MVPs.

Between 2022-24, the surefire Hall of Famer has averaged 216.9 passing yards and posted a 90.7 passer rating and a 41.3 QBR. As expected, he struggled after coming back from his 2023 Achilles tear.

And while he wasn't the sole source, Rodgers' two years with the New York Jets were marred by off-field drama and dysfunction.

Despite the obvious risks, the Steelers pretty much went all in with Rodgers. They waited until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft before taking a quarterback (Will Howard), and Mason Rudolph heads into the season as the backup.

Pittsburgh has to believe in Rodgers because there isn't a viable alternative for a franchise with playoff aspirations. If the gamble backfires, it's going to be a long year.