Aaron Rodgers took the practice field for the first time as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday. Shortly after, he held his first press conference as the Steelers’ new signal-caller. What he said seemed to be the words of a motivated quarterback who is ready to give Pittsburgh all he has for the 2025 season. Here are the biggest notes and takeaways:

Mike Tomlin was the big reason for Rodgers joining the Steelers

This isn’t a surprise in the least, but it’s very clear that Tomlin was a huge selling point for Rodgers coming to Pittsburgh. When asked what made him sign with the Steelers, Rodgers led with the head coach.

“It starts with Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time…”

Rodgers added that he appreciated how Tomlin treated him throughout the entire process and the patience that was given from Tomlin and the Steelers to him. Rodgers also said that while there were conversations with other organizations, but that “there was only one option” for him – either Pittsburgh or he wasn’t playing. The mutual respect and admiration between the two has long been evident, and now they get the chance to team up.

One thing is very clear (and not surprising):

Aaron Rodgers really likes Mike Tomlin and that was a big reason he is a Pittsburgh Steeler. Says he appreciates the way Mike treated him through the process.

— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) June 10, 2025

Rodgers is excited about his new teammates

The four-time had a lot to say about his new pass-catchers. He and DK Metcalf held a workout together weeks ago at UCLA, and Rodgers was very complimentary on his new top target.

“DK’s been blowing me up for a while,” Rodgers said. “He’s big, athletic, and fast. He’s a high-character guy.”

Rodgers also said that Darnell Washington reminded him a lot of Mercedes Lewis.

“Darnell is like a young Mercedes,” Rodgers said. “Able to do things in the passing game [and] dominate the line of scrimmage.

Rodgers was also very excited to talk about Pat Freiermuth, as well.

He noted that Freiermuth had been in constant contact with him through DMs and complemented the star tight end’s game. Rodgers also said he will be inviting his teammates to Malibu in the month ahead of training camp to train together.

Aaron Rodgers says Pat Freiermuth has been blowing up his phone this offseason through DMs. Gives Pat some love on his game, as well.

— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) June 10, 2025

With a rejuvenated quarterback, combined with the talent the Steelers have, this is a team that can win games, and win them when it counts – even if the majority of people will bet against them.