CNN
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After months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers signed a deal last week to become the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting another fascinating chapter in his Hall of Fame career.
The 41-year-old signed a one-year, $13.6 million contract with the Steelers to try to bring the Super Bowl success back to the franchise, 16 years without the Vince Lombardi Trophy, 14 years since his last appearance in the season-ending game. Coincidentally, it was Rogers and the Green Bay Packers who defeated the Steelers in their final Super Bowl appearance in 2011.
On the first day of the mandatory minicamp in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Rodgers said despite being the oldest quarterback in the league, he still plays because he wants to do.
“Because of my ego, I don’t need it to continue playing it,” Rodgers told reporters. “Many decisions I have made from my career and life strictly from ego to life, even if they do well – are not always satisfied.
“But the decisions from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling. This was the best decision for my soul. I felt like I was with my coach (Mike Tomlin) and the people who came here.
Rogers’ signature saga split a lot into consideration given the length of time. Most notably, Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw said the former Packers and New York Jets star didn’t want them close to their team, but with four NFL MVPs at the helm, the Steelers look like a formidable device.
He’s been away from two disappointing seasons with the Jets. This includes losing to Achilles, whose only four plays in his first year with the franchise, was broken.
Although he didn’t have any success, his signature was meant to bring to Gang Green, Rodgers showed he had a glimpse into the production like a top-level quarterback last year.
Now he’s joined the offense led by Tomlin and wide receiver DK Metcalf who took part in the offseason. Before Rogers’ signature, a social media video saw a pair working in California.
Also, Rodgers, who revealed Tuesday that he was married this offseason, had complemented Metcalf after the first day of practice with the team, but coach Tomlin highlighted it as the main reason he decided to join.
“I have opposed him for many years. The way the conversation took place between him and me was in March or April, and on the last Sunday I called him, some of the coolest conversations I had in the game,” he said. “So he’s a big reason why I’m here and I’m excited to play for him.”
Steelers fans may be excited by the prospect of Rodgers playing for Steel City, but the rest of the NFL are keen on it for another reason.
Miles Garrett, who plays for Steelers’ AFC North Rival, Cleveland Browns, was asked about Rodgers’ addition to the division on Tuesday, and his answer was clear.
“What do I think about that? I think it’s a great opportunity to get him to the cemetery,” Garrett told reporters.
Garrett, the 2023 defensive player of the year, is famous for his luxurious Halloween decorations. He decorated his home’s front yard as a graveyard filled with gravestones decorated with names of all the quarterbacks who plundered his career.
In 2021, Garrett wore a Grim Reaper-style outfit with a cape that adorned the name of the quarterback he fired.
The Browns will travel to Pittsburgh before Cleveland hosts the Steelers in Week 17, so Garrett’s first chance to add Rogers to that list will be in Week 6.