"All he wants to do..." Mike Tomlin opens up on secret offseason discussions that made Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh signing inevitable

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 offseason was a whirlwind of change: roster overhauls, key departures, and the complete reshaping of the quarterback room. Yet, in the middle of this turbulence, a story quietly unfolded behind the scenes.

While fans speculated for months about whether four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers would join Pittsburgh, head coach Mike Tomlin already knew the answer. And he knew it well before the announcement came just days before mandatory minicamp.

Mike Tomlin finally tells the inside story of his offseason talks that brought Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers

Aaron Rodgers, released by the New York Jets after two injury-marred seasons, was weighing retirement when Pittsburgh entered the conversation. Other teams circled, but it was the March 21 visit to the Steelers’ facility that planted the seeds for a deal.

Though he left without a contract, the direction was clear to Tomlin.On The Pivot podcast, Tomlin admitted that Rodgers’ signing was never in doubt for him—even before the NFL Draft. That confidence played a role in passing on quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart or Shedeur Sanders with the 21st pick, opting instead for defensive lineman Derrick Harmon.

“You know, this dude’s been doing it 21 years,” Tomlin said. “Man, four-time MVP, all of that stuff.

I just wanted to know why. Why does the fire still burn? What is his agenda? … All he wants to do is win. All he wants to do is have fun within the game. … I believed him when he said it, but it’s fun to watch it play out. And you’re right, I knew something.”

Aaron Rodgers finds his fit in the Steel city

Aaron Rodgers’ decision came after personal considerations delayed his choice, but since joining, he’s been effusive about his coach. On The Pat McAfee Show, he called Tomlin “the man,” adding, “From Day 1 that we talked on the phone in the offseason, I was never talking to a head coach.

I was talking to a friend. I respected the hell out of that.”For Rodgers, who endured a frustrating stint with the Jets—including a torn Achilles in 2023—Pittsburgh offers a chance to play without the shadows of past disappointments. Training camp has been marked by his visible engagement with young players, an attitude he promised Tomlin back in spring.While it’s likely the 41-year-old is entering his final NFL chapter, Rodgers hasn’t shut the door on 2026. For now, both he and Tomlin appear locked in on making the most of 2025, aiming to turn a well-timed gamble into a season worth remembering in Steelers history.Also Read: "He didn't want my jersey": Shilo Sanders’ NFL debut sees mom Pilar’s awkward Bucs jersey gift after coach dad refuses Buccaneers jersey