PITTSBURGH —Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed during his introductory press conference with the Pittsburgh Steelers 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.
Rodgers also credited former Green Bay Packers head coach and Greenfield native Mike McCarthy for introducing Pittsburgh's blue-collar work ethic culture to him. In addition to several other Western Pa. natives or people with ties to the Steelers organization.
"I feel like Pittsburgh has been a part of my career from the beginning, 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."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has extensively shared his appreciation for Aaron Rodgers in the past, and vice versa.
"I'm a big Mike Tomlin fan," Rodgers said in 2021 . "I have been for a long time. I like the way he speaks about his team. I like the way that he goes about his business. I like his confidence. I've heard nothing but good things from guys that have played there."
Rodgers said he had a great conversation with Tomlin before signing. One of the best he's ever had in his career.
"A big attraction was Mike Tomlin. I've gone against him over the years. … The last Sunday that I called him was some of the coolest conversations I've had," he said.
Tomlin looks forward to having Rodgers lead his unit this season. It really was a no-brainer for him to bring the 41-year-old QB to Pittsburgh.
"I mean, read his resume. We're excited about him being here, he's excited about being here," Tomlin said. "But we'll make no bold predictions; We're just going to roll our sleeves up and go to work and let our efforts do the talking"
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Aaron Rodgers Explains Why He Signed with Steelers: 'It Starts with Mike Tomlin'
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