Aaron Rodgers shows up early at Steelers camp after signing 1-year deal

Aaron Rodgers has spent two-plus decades keeping everyone off balance.

From opponents to teammates to reporters and everyone in between.

The start of his 22nd season was no different.

The 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP made a surprise appearance on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice field Monday for the start of voluntary organized team activities, jogging out in a white No. 8 jersey shortly after finalizing a 1-year deal to return to the club he guided to an AFC North championship last winter.

Linebacker Payton Wilson admitted he was a little “shocked” when he ran into Rodgers outside the team’s facility. Wilson called it “awesome” to have Rodgers back while only somewhat jokingly admitting his presence will make it “a lot harder” on the defense during OTA drills designed to be more of a refresher than a true test.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., acquired in an offseason trade with Indianapolis, worked out with Rodgers once while Rodgers was still weighing his options. 

Rodgers said near the end of last season he would decide in “due course” while cagily not hinting at any sort of deadline. The Steelers expressed optimism that he would reach a decision before the start of free agency, then kept moving the goalposts back as the weeks came and went without Rodgers offering any firm answer one way or the other.

Having Rodgers in the fold means rookie Drew Allar and second-year quarterback Will Howard will get to spend the year learning from one of the greats who will enter the Hall of Fame five years after he retires, whenever that may be.

It won’t be in 2026, as Rodgers opted to give it another chance after throwing for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions during his first season in Pittsburgh. 

Rather than wait until mandatory minicamp — as he did a year ago — Rodgers’ early arrival indicates a sense of urgency for a franchise where the standard remains the same even as it transitions from Mike Tomlin to McCarthy.

And while it was just football in shorts in the middle of May, Pittman saw enough to know immediately that Rodgers is all-in and remains elite, even as he nears his mid-40s.



(AP Photo Gene J. Puskar)