Steelers' Cam Heyward Defends Potential New Teammate Aaron Rodgers From Public Ridicule

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been talked about nonstop throughout the 2025 offseason, with a ton of people questioning what the organization is doing at the quarterback position. Currently, the only quarterbacks under contract for the 2025 season are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, although the team has struck out multiple times trying to land other players. A strong candidate for the quarterback position is Aaron Rodgers, and Pittsburgh has had interest in the veteran since the first week of free agency. He is still making his decision about his future, which has been a long and drawn out process.

Many NFL fans have been wondering what Rodgers has been thinking throughout this entire process, and he spoke publicly for the first time recently. He went on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, and he talked a bunch about all the common questions people have been asking. He had nothing but good things to say about the Steelers, but he spoke down on the New York Jets and how his time ended with that organization. 

One of the main stories taken from Rodgers' interview with the show was how his release from the Jets went. He complained about the Jets having him fly across the country, on his own dime, to meet with the decision makers of the organization. Rodgers was living in California, and he had to fly to New Jersey to meet with the new regime for the Jets. He had a quick conversation, and was then told the organization would be going in a different direction and releasing him. Pittsburgh's defensive leader Cam Heyward stood up for Rodgers and this situation via X on Monday.

Rodgers is a polarizing figure in the NFL world, so some fans were happy to hear about him being inconvenienced by the Jets. In reality, it is a bad look for New York to make Rodgers pay for a flight across the country just to have him in for a 30-minute meeting. Heyward saw this move being praised, and he quickly came to the defense of his potential quarterback.

This was good to see from Heyward, as there has been some speculation that players in the locker room for Pittsburgh do not want Rodgers to come to the team. It may be understandable if some are frustrated with how long the decision is taking, but he is obviously the best option Pittsburgh has.

Heyward himself made some headlines for his comments regarding Rodgers not too long ago. He had a quote go viral where he seemed to be shaming Rodgers' infamous darkness and ayahuasca retreats, however Heyward's words were twisted and taken out of context.

If Rodgers does end up signing in Pittsburgh, he will likely be welcomed with open arms. He struggled during the 2024 season with the Jets as he continued to bounce back from his Achilles injury, but he got better as the year went on. He may not be the same caliber of player he once was, but he is still a capable quarterback in the NFL.

Steelers Could Still Miss Out On Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers' best options right now seem to be Pittsburgh or retirement. Those are ultimately what he is deciding between, and there is a chance the Steelers aren't able to sign him. If that is the case, Rudolph would likely be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback going into the 2025 season. The Steelers should also draft a rookie quarterback, but the coaching staff probably wouldn't want him to see the field for some time. 

Aside from Rodgers, the available veteran quarterback options are pretty bleak. Free agents include a player like Carson Wentz, while Kirk Cousins could also be available via trade.

What do you think about Heyward stepping up for his potential quarterback? Let us know in the comments below!

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