Steelers Now
Former Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks gives quarterback Aaron Rodgers some advice for his next year in Pittsburgh.
There have been a lot of mixed emotions since the Pittsburgh Steelers officially agreed to terms with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Thursday. Former Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks believes there is one thing Rodgers can do to start off on the right foot in Pittsburgh, though.
“I think the biggest thing is ingratiate yourself with the fans, with the city,” Starks said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “Don’t try and separate yourself or silo yourself because this city is woven into the fabric of the team as well as the players. You’re gonna be out and about. There’s no quiet place that you’re looking for in Pittsburgh that doesn’t have Steeler fans crawling all over it. You have to, first of all, accept, embrace, and associate with the fans in Pittsburgh because the city’s identity is directly tied with the success and shortcomings of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
The @Steelers are signing a four-time NFL MVP.@MaxStarks78 talked about what QB Aaron Rodgers should expect from the Pittsburgh fan base.
📻 https://t.co/u2cRkateWV#Steelers | #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/H8IHPKLHba
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 5, 2025
Rodgers already tried to take a secret visit to the Steelers South Side facility in March. He was ultimately unsuccessful as he was seen leaving the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
It may have just been because the 41-year-old wanted to take time to make his decision, and the more media presence he had, the more pressure he would be under to make his mind up.
Rodgers did reveal the reason for his delay in decision on “The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast.”
“I’ve figured it out the last year when I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer,” Rodgers said.
However, it’s safe to assume fans will not like if he continues to sneak around the city to avoid them during the 2025 season.
Rodgers must, first and foremost, keep the Steelers competitive to stay on the fanbase’s good side. But immersing himself into it will be just as important.
In 2024, Rodgers completed 368 of 584 passes (63%) for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with the New York Jets.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steeler Gives Aaron Rodgers One Key to Success in Pittsburgh
