Steelers Now
Former NFLPA executive DeMaurice Smith did not hold back on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in his new book.
The Pittsburgh Steelers know they were taking a gamble when they signed 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Former NFL Players Association president DeMaurice Smith reveals that doesn’t just mean on the field, either.
Rodgers has drawn a lot of criticism throughout his NFL career with many questioning if he is a locker room sour. Smith hints that’s true in his new tell-all book, Turf Wars, which is set to release in August.
“The god of Cheesehead Nation was isolated and dismissive,” Smith writes via Awful Announcing. “He sat in the back row of the meeting room, issuing loud sighs before standing for a dramatic exit. An incredible quarterback, to be sure, but an even more impressive antagonist.”
Rodgers has done his best to avoid those negative headlines since joining the Steelers. In fact, he’s been acting as the perfect teammate thus far.
The four-time NFL MVP bonded with receivers Calvin Austin III, DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Pat Freiermuth in Malibu before training camp.
Pittsburgh’s young players, like sixth-round rookie quarterback Will Howard, have also had nothing but good things to say about him.
“He’s been so awesome to me so far,” Howard said. “Obviously we’ve only gotten to be together for about three days, but I got a really good feeling about him, about this whole QB room. I think we already in this past week meshed really well, hit it off. I think we got a good vibe, good group. Aaron has been so willing to help me. He’s like, ‘Literally, as much or as little as you want me to help you, I’ll be there.’”
Only time will tell if that will remain the case throughout the whole season, but Rodgers seems to be focused on ending his illustrious NFL career on the right note, and that includes his relationship with his teammates.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former NFLPA Exec Blasts Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers: ‘Impressive Antagonist’
