The Pittsburgh Steelers' organization has long been associated with winning, and rightfully so. The team is tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history. However, it has been roughly 15 years since the Steelers last appeared in a Super Bowl, and it's been almost 20 years they've hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. Even though it's been a while since the Steelers competed for a Super Bowl, they had teams during that period that could have won. Since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have been in a weird era. They've had teams good enough to compete, but not enough to get over the hump.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers' six Lombardi trophies.
Since Roethlisberger retired in 2021, the Steelers have had five starting quarterbacks: Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Steeler fans have been spoiled with elite quarterback play from Terry Bradshaw during the 1970s and 80s to Roethlisberger for the majority of the 21st century. Steeler fans are not used to this type of quarterback turnover.
Now the team is in a position where, if Aaron Rodgers decides to sign with the Steelers, it could be looking for another quarterback in the near future. The Steelers could also go with a rookie quarterback in this year's draft in hopes that he can become the next Roethlisberger. Former Steeler Merril Hoge appeared on 4 The Record and gave his thoughts on the Steelers' current climate.
"I always go back to what they have that is consistent," Hoge said. " I believe in them more now than ever because I've been around the league and all the different organizations. You just have great ownership; you've got great leadership at the top. Teams win championships. It's not just coaching, it's not just players; it's a combination of all of it... The one thing that is consistent is that they don't react to things; they respond to things. People who respond to things take information in, and they gather things... The one thing about all of them they are lethal. They might be silent, but they are very decisive. They're very poignant and want to win championships. The people who want to win it the most are the Rooneys. Don't ever underestimate that. They are not okay with mediocrity."
Hoge's statement should offer a little relief to the fan base because he is right. The Steelers' organization is not like any other across the league. The Steelers are a team that has only had three coaches in the last 56 years and one of the few who are still owned by the same family. Winning a league-high number of Super Bowls is a testament to the Rooney's way of conducting this team.
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Steelers Owners Dan Rooney (left) with son Art Rooney II (right) in 2013.
So, maybe it is time the fans take Hoge's advice and believe that this ownership will get it right. Whether it's signing Rodgers or drafting Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart in the first round. Whatever the decision is, trust that the Rooneys believe it is the best decision for winning.
Should The Steelers Move On From Aaron Rodgers?
As the wait for Rodgers continues, the patience is seemingly growing thinner. A few weeks ago, at the Annual League Meeting, Art Rooney II told reporters that the team didn't mind waiting a little while longer for Rodgers' decision, but also detailed that the wait wouldn't last forever. How long is forever?
The Steelers have other pressing needs that could be addressed in the first round of the draft, but if Rodgers is not on the roster by then, how will it affect the team's decision? If Rodgers has not signed with the Steelers by draft night, the likelihood of them selecting a quarterback in round one is high.
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton during a collegiate game.
However, if Rodgers is a part of the Steelers roster prior to draft night, then the team could dial their focus in on another positional need. The Steelers would then be able to address their need at defensive line by selecting someone like Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. Or consider a running back like Omarion Hampton to bring more explosiveness to the offense.
So, Steeler Nation, how much longer should the organization wait on Rodgers? Or should the Steelers move on and decide to plan for the future with a rookie quarterback? Let us know below!
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