After months of speculation and rumors, the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally come to terms with the former Green Bay Packer, Aaron Rodgers, for a one-year contract. Countless individuals guessed as to what could have been the cause for such a lengthy negotiation process. Unfortunately, the reason for the delay proved to be a tragic one, as per Rodgers.
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During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, one that occurred at a time when he had yet to sign with Pittsburgh, Rodgers clarified that he had “been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer.”
In light of all the scrutiny that Rodgers has received throughout the past several months, Pat McAfee felt the need to step up for the quarterback and re-emphasize the fact that the veteran QB has rarely stiffed his team in recent years.
“He had two people, in his inner circle, that were going through cancer. People that are around him on a regular basis, who depend on him as their employer, he felt obligated to attend. If you look back last year at the Jets, he was there for all the voluntary stuff with the New York Jets. All of it, literally all of it.”
Rodgers’ commitment to the sport is commendable considering the fact that he has more responsibilities now off the field. He has conceded that football currently occupies only a “small percentage of his mind”.
In a recent interview with McAfee, he said, “I’m taking care of my people right now, and I’m taking care of my personal life responsibilities… I have lot of off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention.
Apart from what both he and Rodgers labeled as “once-in-a-lifetime trip” that was planned many years in advance, McAfee reminded folks that Rodgers has actually maintained a rather stellar attendance record throughout the past two seasons.
According to the former punter, the media’s scrutiny of the 41-year-old legend is as unjustified as it is disingenuous.
“He misses mandatory minicamp, literally for the first time in his career since he was a rookie… It became this massive story of how selfish he was, how he didn’t want to win… All that negative stuff came in. So, he approached this offseason… He didn’t want it to be like last year. He was very upfront with everybody.”
When it comes to media coverage, it often seems like Aaron Rodgers just can’t win, no matter what he does. Despite a Hall of Fame-worthy career, the “diva” label has stuck with him, casting a shadow over his many accomplishments. At this stage, that reputation appears set in stone.
Love him or hate him, Rodgers has become one of the most polarizing figures in NFL history. Now, in what may be the twilight of his career, his former Super Bowl rivals are offering him perhaps one final shot at redemption—a chance to exit the game in a blaze of glory.
While the offensive unit he’s joining may not be the most intimidating in the division, Rodgers has the kind of talent and experience that could finally unleash the full potential of a dynamic receiver like D.K. Metcalf. Add to that the steady leadership and winning culture of head coach Mike Tomlin, and a return to the playoffs doesn’t just seem possible—it feels probable.
