Aaron Rodgers Opens Steelers Camp with a Pick

Aaron Rodgers’ first semi-official pass as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t go as planned.

After taking the snap and turning to his left during the team’s opening training camp practice at a sweltering Chuck Noll Field, Rodgers let it fly only to see the ball land in the hands of linebacker Patrick Queen. Interception.

The crowd groaned. Rodgers didn’t flinch.

“It was good to get that out of the way,” the 41-year-old said later, cracking a grin.

He’s been doing this a long time longer than anyone else in the league. And while his Steelers tenure is only six weeks old, Rodgers understands that training camp is for risks, timing, and figuring things out. It was, after all, his first throw against a live defense since early January, when he wrapped up a chaotic stint with the New York Jets by throwing four touchdown passes in a season finale against Miami.

“I’m going to throw some picks,” Rodgers said with a smirk. “But I’m going to throw some touchdowns too.”

None came on Thursday. Pittsburgh’s entire quarterback room went scoreless in a 90-minute session that was more about knocking off rust than showcasing fireworks.

“Things are going to get better and look better as we go,” Rodgers added. “But I’m excited about where we’re at on day one.”

A New Chapter, On and Off the Field

Rodgers joins a Steelers franchise that underwent a major offensive makeover this offseason. His one-year deal, signed in June, placed him squarely at the center of the team’s rebuild.

He was one of the first veterans to report, checking into Rooney Hall a day early and happily discovering his ground-floor room came with an unexpected bonus: DK Metcalf as his roommate.

Rodgers and Metcalf began building a bond during workouts in Southern California earlier this spring—before Rodgers had even made up his mind about where to play. The two continued working out together in Malibu after minicamp, along with several other teammates.

Still, chemistry doesn’t happen overnight.

“It can be tough in the beginning,” Metcalf admitted.

Rodgers, in his usual understated way, isn’t forcing it. He knows proximity can help. That’s one reason the Steelers remain one of the few teams that still hold training camp away from team facilities.

Mentoring the Future While Leading the Present

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has encouraged Rodgers to take on a vocal leadership role, giving him space to lead film sessions and speak freely in meetings. Rodgers has embraced the opportunity especially when it comes to rookie quarterback Will Howard.

“I want to be a support system for him and pass on anything I can,” Rodgers said. “If he wants to pick my brain or be in my hip pocket, I’m all for it.”

Rodgers believes Howard has the tools to develop into a long-term NFL starter. But in the short term, Rodgers is the man Pittsburgh is counting on to end a playoff win drought that’s creeping toward a decade.

He thinks the Steelers belong in the upper tier of NFL contenders—one of 10 to 12 teams that look like true threats “on paper.” But he also knows how little that guarantees. Of all the Super Bowl-caliber rosters he’s played on, only one—the Packers team that beat Pittsburgh nearly 15 years ago finished the job.

No Bold Predictions, Just High Expectations

Pressed about his expectations for the 2025 season, Rodgers kept it classic Rodgers—measured, dry, and just a little cagey.

“I’m not telling you,” he said with a grin.

Instead of predictions, Rodgers pointed to the value of the present moment—these 17 or so practices at Saint Vincent College, the shared meals, the locker room banter, and the bonds that must be forged before any championship dreams can take root.

The interception on Day 1? A blip. The mission? Still very much intact.