UNITY TWP, Pa. – Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones will be protecting the blind side of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025. He'll have to be on his 'A' game, as the offense will run through Rodgers. If Rodgers gets injured, the Steelers' entire plans in 2025 will blow up in smoke.
Jones is well-aware of his responsibility this season.
"I just got to keep him upright all season," Jones said.
After starting at right tackle the last two seasons, Jones is now at left tackle. The change is not a big adjustment for him.
"No, I don't think it's different," Jones said. "I've been in the starting lineup. It's still the same position to me. I'm trying to become a starter. They're looking at me to be left tackle, so I just got to focus on that."
Not only has Jones gotten back into the swing of things at left tackle, but he took a different conditioning approach this offseason. He told reporters during OTAs that last season he played between 325 and 330 pounds. He's around 305-310.
"That's always tough, just because getting back into football shape — it's hard," Jones said. "Going from offseason back into camp, here in Latrobe with this heat, it's hard to predict. I feel like I'm in pretty good shape. But you never know until the real deal comes, which is Tuesday, when the pads come on."
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones talks with a referee during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Seelers Now
The Steelers have a future star at center in Zach Frazier , but the rest of the offensive line will have to step up in 2025, especially at both tackle positions. The success of the Steelers offense this season will greatly depend on the play of the O-line.
Jones believes the unit is up to the task.
"Those guys that I have with me on the line are great. … We have a good enough bond to where we can have those tough conversations if we need to," he said.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from St. Vincent College.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers LT Broderick Jones Vows to Protect Aaron Rodgers: 'I Just Got to Keep Him Upright All Season'
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