Back in the day, the Pittsburgh Steelers used to be the epitome of consistency and success. We’re talking one of the most successful teams with six Super Bowl victories under its name. But now? It’s like watching a classic series that’s lost its spark. Under Art Rooney II’s leadership, the team has seen an eight-year playoff victory drought, with the 2024 season ending on a five-game losing streak—the worst since 1969.
And ever since then, the Steelers Nation has been side-eyeing the team’s owner. No wonder the players literally rated him the second-worst owner in the league. That’s not gossip—that’s from the NFLPA’s own report card. Outdated facilities, zero investment in player comfort, and even the locker room feels like a time capsule. Now that the Steelers are gearing up to start the 2025 campaign, let’s just say things are getting even worse.
And we’re talking about the Steelers’ quarterback drama. They had a couple of potential QBs last year—Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Fast forward, and both of ’em packed their bags to leave for New York. While the former signed a deal with the Giants, the latter will be the QB1 for the Jets. And the Steelers? Well, they’re stuck while waiting for none other than Aaron Rodgers. That’s where it gets pretty messy.
It’s been months since there have been speculations that Rodgers will sign a deal with the Steelers. Now, looks like the QB has finally broken his silence on his Pittsburgh future. On Thursday, Rodgers appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, where he talked about a lot of things. It started with exposing the Jets‘ HC, Aaron Glenn, when he last visited the team. Right after that went down, the 41-year-old QB shared that he’s not looking for a lucrative contract.
Yeah, you heard that right. If the Steelers sign him, the team doesn’t need to offer him a fancy payday. “I’m open to anything and attached to nothing. It ain’t about the money. I’ll play for $10M. I never said that I need a multi-million, multi-year deal… I told every single one of the teams, it’s not about the money … I’ll play for [$10 million], I don’t care,” he remarked. Well, he didn’t name the team for which he wants to play.
“Obviously I went out to Pittsburgh and I have a lot of respect for Mike Tomlin..
I’m a big fan of Arthur Smith and I like what he’s all about..
It was nice to go into the city and I enjoyed talking to Mike Tomlin” ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nTxyHyywWs
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 17, 2025
But the way things are shaping, the Steelers are most likely on the cards. The reason? Well, during his appearance on McAfee’s show, Rodgers stated that he had a chat with Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith, and he has a lot of respect for both of ’em. “Obviously I went out to Pittsburgh… I’ve talked to Mike Tomlin,” he said. “He’s more than I even thought. From afar, as far as the type of person that he is. I have a lot of respect for what he’s accomplished in the league.”
To top that off, the four-time MVP also talked about his friendship with the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. “Arthur Smith… Talk about a guy that doesn’t need to work—doesn’t need to work. But he’s a grinder. We’ve had a friendship for a couple of years now, and I just like what he’s all about,” he continued. See, the way he’s talking and making some fancy statements about the Steelers’ coaches, it seems certain that we’re about to see Rodgers in black and gold.
But does that make anything better? I mean, the Steelers Nation isn’t thrilled to hear him talking about Steelers, and the way he was disrespected by the Jets’ regime. In fact, they’re all in for Art Rooney to sell the team and fire Mike Tomlin. The reason? Because they’re still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to sign a deal.
Folks in Pittsburgh aren’t thrilled with Aaron Rodgers’ signing
Right after Aaron Rodgers hit the headlines… not for the QB drama—but his recent chat with McAfee on Thursday, the Steelers Nation took to their social media handles to show their frustration. And trust me, they aren’t much thrilled with whatever going on in the Steelers’ front office and the team’s constant failure. Not with Art Rooney II. Not with Mike Tomlin either.
One person didn’t mince the words, writing, “Every failure, mistake, error, bad decision, and mediocrity over the years has Tomlin’s name on it. And it will continue until Mr. Rooney has the courage to change this. Enough dragging down the Steelers legacy.” They aren’t just upset, they’ve got receipts. They’re tired of rinse-and-repeat seasons with no playoff wins and nothing to show for all the talent that’s come and gone.
Another chimed in who had a simple to-do list for the franchise. “Tell Rooney to sell the team but fire Tomlin first.” Like, that’s priority number one. And then there’s the guy who straight-up said, “Steelers are not going anywhere anyway. Tomlin and Rooney need to go.” No sugarcoating. Just vibes and rage. But there was this guy who just hit it outta park.
“Man screw the Superbowl talk! “Tomlins Team” with no Cowhers players left…have yet to win a d— play off game! Most overrated HC has made this franchise a joke! Other teams clowning the Steelers is just insulting imo! And Rooney just doesn’t give a s— .” That’s a complete frustration, felt through the heart, and described through the words. At this point, the Steelers are stuck in limbo.
Not just for the quarterback. Oh no. The Steelers Nation is demanding a complete reset. A reset that includes a coaching change, and of course, the ownership change. Guess we now have to wait and see what the franchise is going to do. After all, it’s not just a quarterback problem anymore.
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