Ever since quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a team-friendly contract
to hitch the Pittsburgh Steelers in time to take part of their June obligatory minicamp, stories 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 believe he will get misinterpreted loads as a result of individuals decide a e book by its cowl and don’t actually know him,” Thompson not too long ago stated about Rodgers, per Mike Jones of The Athletic. “I’m not claiming that I actually know him, however simply being round him each 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 excellent perspective for me.”
Rodgers developed a popularity for allegedly irritating a few of his large receivers throughout his last few years with the Green Bay Packers and his two-season stint with the New York Jets. Extra not too long ago, 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 every single day with a smile on his face,” Thompson continued whereas talking about Rodgers. “No matter music is taking part in, you see him singing generally. Typically, you see him taking part in 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 massive for anybody. That’s actually cool as a result of not all people’s like that, and he needs to be like all people else. Only a actually good dude.”
None of this implies the Steelers will not should take care of supposed “nonsense” associated to Rodgers that seemingly irritated some individuals throughout the Jets, equivalent to 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 dealt with a hip subject, accidents to each his knees, a low ankle sprain and a
serious hamstring problem whereas with the Jets final season.
That stated, Rodgers has so far embraced his role as a mentor for youthful Pittsburgh gamers, equivalent to rookie quarterback and sixth-round draft decide Will Howard. Thompson is a 28-year-old who entered the league through 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 tougher,” Thompson added about Rodgers. “Perhaps we don’t have one of the best apply, you see with him the best method to name individuals out, maintain them accountable on what he expects and the way he calls for greatness.”
Rodgers will look to indicate he has a lot 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.
