Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed during his introductory press conference on Tuesday that he has special connection to the Steel City.
“I feel like Pittsburgh has been a part of my career from the beginning,” Rodgers said. “Playing for Mike McCarthy for 13 years, having Tom Clements — or Tommy Clements, depending on how old you are — as my quarterback coach forever, Dom Capers, Kevin Greene, Darren Perry, Ben McAdoo, Frank Cignetti, Luke Getsy. I don’t want to forget anybody, but a lot of ‘Yinzers’ in my life.”
Rodgers knows all about the history of the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh.
“This is a blue-collar town. The history of this great area is building the structure of the country. A lot of great people here, great fan base,” Rodgers said. “We played here over the years. They even got their own song they play late in the third or in the fourth quarter. But it’s a special, special place to play sports, just great blue-collar people. I’m excited to meet some of the fans along the way.”
Rodgers also revealed during his introductory press conference that Mike Tomlin was the driving force to why he signed with the club.
“I think it starts with Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. There’s a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of them for 18 years. This is another one of those. There’s something special about — obviously this area, so many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh.”
During the free agent process, Rodgers realized that his options were either playing for the Steelers or retirement. He did not think it would be worth it to play, unless it was for Tomlin.
“I appreciate the conversations with other organizations, for sure. But, again, I’ve said it. When it came between me and Mike. I made it to where, as I was going through with my personal stuff, there was no other option. It was here and not play,” Rodgers stated.
“I felt like being here with Coach T and the guys they got here and the opportunity here was the best for me, and I’m excited to be here.”
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Has Special Connection to Pittsburgh: ‘A Lot of Yinzers in My Life’
