Ever since quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a team-friendly contract
to affix the Pittsburgh Steelers in time to take part of their June necessary minicamp, tales have detailed how Rodgers has been “one of many dudes” within the Pittsburgh locker room and has proved he has “purchased in” because it pertains to serving to the membership win video games.
Present backup quarterback Skylar Thompson is among the many Steelers gamers who’ve been impressed by what they’ve seen from Rodgers over his first two months with the group.
“I feel he will get misinterpreted lots as a result of individuals choose a ebook by its cowl and don’t actually know him,” Thompson just lately mentioned about Rodgers, per Mike Jones of The Athletic. “I’m not claiming that I actually know him, however simply being round him every day, he’s a superb dude, cares about his teammates, holds individuals accountable. There’s an actual want for greatness that he expects on a regular basis, and that’s been an important perspective for me.”
Rodgers developed a repute for allegedly irritating a few of his vast receivers throughout his closing few years with the Inexperienced Bay Packers and his two-season stint with the New York Jets. Extra just lately, the 41-year-old acknowledged he’s feeling extra “snug” within the Pittsburgh offense after he reportedly lacked on-the-field chemistry with teammates in the course of the first couple of weeks of coaching camp.
“He comes out right here daily with a smile on his face,” Thompson continued whereas talking about Rodgers. “No matter music is enjoying, you see him singing typically. Generally, you see him enjoying the air guitar. You’ll be able to simply inform he’s in his protected place. He’s simply himself each single day. After we’re off the sector, he loves being across the guys. He’s not too large for anybody. That’s actually cool as a result of not everyone’s like that, and he desires to be like everyone else. Only a actually good dude.”
None of this implies the Steelers will not must cope with supposed “nonsense” associated to Rodgers that seemingly irritated some individuals inside the Jets, resembling his weekly in-season appearances on “The Pat McAfee Present.” There’s additionally no assure Rodgers will keep wholesome for 17 video games after he handled a hip challenge, accidents to each his knees, a low ankle sprain and a
critical hamstring downside whereas with the Jets final season.
That mentioned, Rodgers has to this point embraced his position as a mentor for youthful Pittsburgh gamers, resembling rookie quarterback and sixth-round draft choose Will Howard. Thompson is a 28-year-old who entered the league by way of the 2022 draft however can be studying from the long run Corridor of Famer this summer time.
“One factor that’s been actually cool for studying and perspective, for me, is simply seeing how he handles these conditions the place instances are more durable,” Thompson added about Rodgers. “Perhaps we don’t have the very best apply, you see with him the appropriate method to name individuals out, maintain them accountable on what he expects and the way he calls for greatness.”
Rodgers will look to point out he has lots left within the tank when the Steelers open the common season with a matchup on the Jets on Sept. 7. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh as a three-point betting favourite for that contest.
