Why the Addition of Aaron Rodgers Is a Positive Sign for Pittsburgh’s Rookie Quarterback
The Steelers recently acquired veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the question that arises is, “What does the future look like for Will Howard?” Many people doubt how much Rodgers can contribute this season, especially with Howard impressing the team with his on-field play and off-the-field work ethic. There are also speculations about what role Rodgers will play, if any, in Howard’s potential success. Will he act as a mentor to the young prospect, or is he simply looking to win games as the starter?
When Aaron Rodgers was drafted by the Packers in 2005, he played a similar role to Brett Favre, as Jordan Love did to him just a few seasons ago. However, Favre said it wasn’t his job to mentor Rodgers, and he didn’t know him. When the Packers drafted Love in 2020, this put Rodgers in the same situation he had, except with his role reversed. He said that due to what he experienced with Favre, he didn’t want to do the same thing to Love, and wouldn’t want to do anything of the sort in Pittsburgh. Rodgers had great things to say about Howard after his first minicamp practice: “Will’s a good kid. Thought he looked good today…I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”. The two seem to be developing a good relationship, and a QB room to look out for.
Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that he enjoys the attention whenever the spotlight is on him. This season, the spotlight will shine on him with high expectations for Pittsburgh. Rodgers is hoping to come back and show that he’s still the ‘2021 MVP Aaron Rodgers’. Expect to see a lot of usage by recently acquired receiver D.K. Metcalf, as Rodgers tends to favor his number-one receiver when they are a threat. However, at the age of 41, and recently confirmed to be newly married, an unsuccessful season could prompt him to consider retirement. If we don’t see many years from Rodgers in Pittsburgh, the work he seems to be putting in towards Will Howard’s success could ultimately lead to the starting role for Howard and future success.
