Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed during his introductory press conference that Mike Tomlin was the driving force to why he signed with the club. While Rodgers has a close relationship with Tomlin, former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden provided some advice on how to build that bond even more and become a true Steeler.
“You just got to be a grown man, go there, be honest,” Haden said on Up & Adams with Kay Adams. “Coach Tomlin does a great job of being able to build real, genuine relationships with people. Me and him had a relationship where you could just talk… One thing he’s going to do, he’s going to be blatantly honest with you, so you just need to be honest with him. Coach Tomlin is so real. There’s no fluff, there’s no fake, so when he tells you something, he means it.”
During his introductory press conference, Rodgers also revealed 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.”
“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. 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.”
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 or 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.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers CB Gives Aaron Rodgers Advice on Playing in Pittsburgh: ‘Be Honest’
