Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Playing out the twilight of his career in the Steel City is as much a spiritual foray for Aaron Rodgers as it is one driven by the desire to sling a football. The four-time NFL MVP and newest Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback loves the game, but, at this point in his odyssey, could bear to live without it.
That’s exactly what might make the experience so freeing.
Following his first Steelers practice Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Rodgers stood in front of a gaggle of reporters, eager to hear why he joined the team now and what intrigued him about the organization. As one would expect from someone whose Netflix documentary labels him an enigma, his explanation of why he’s still at it isn’t one many would expect.
“I think that’s what it is. I don’t need it,” Rodgers said when asked why he still wants to play. “For my ego, I don’t need it — to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, they’re always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are pretty fulfilling. This was a decision that was best for my soul, and I felt like being here with Coach (Tomlin) and the guys they got here and the opportunity here was the best for me.”
Aaron Rodgers is entering his 21st NFL season. He can argue he’s the most gifted passer in the league’s history, not to mention he already has a Super Bowl ring. If they haven’t understandably cast Super Bowl XLV out of their memory, Steelers fans can recall how he attained it. He hasn’t been back to that stage since, however.
“I have a lot that motivates me, but this is about the love of the game,” Rodgers said. “The game has given me so much over the years. And making peace with a nice long career.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Answers Burning Question: Why Is He Still Playing at 41?
