It hasn't taken long for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to earn the respect of his new teammates and coach Mike Tomlin. The four-time MVP signed in June to be the starter for the 2025 season is coming off a rocky two-year stretch with the New York Jets and says his decision to play for the Steelers was not ego-driven like many of his previous career choices.

Rodgers represents a symbol of hope for the Steelers. For the quarterback, the organization represents the same.

During Rodgers' prolonged courtship with Pittsburgh, Heyward said, “Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t."