As the Pittsburgh Steelers get ready for their final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers emphasized that staying healthy is his top priority. “Health,” said Rodgers. “Everybody getting through healthy. That’s the most important thing.”
Rodgers did not confirm whether he would play in Thursday’s game, stating he will follow Coach Mike Tomlin’s decision. Since joining the Steelers, Rodgers has focused on building relationships with teammates and integrating into the team environment.
“I’m just trying to be curious, not judgmental,” said Rodgers, who reported feeling good about his conditioning. “I’ve always been curious about learning and just trying be a lifetime student, that’s why I enjoy reading in all forms, whether it’s audio books when you’re in the car or reading. I like to actually have the book in my hand so I can underline or highlight or whatever.
“But just getting to know guys too. You’ve got to pay attention and sometimes you’ve got to use some strategies to remember things. There are ways of connecting with guys, and I’ve always been interested in those dynamics. I’m just trying to be curious.”
Rodgers has made efforts to connect with members of the offensive line, including center Zach Frazier and guard Isaac Seumalo, who are typically reserved. He noted that Mason McCormick helps lighten the mood among linemates.
“I’m trying to be intentional every day I’m here,” said Rodgers. “Trying to get Zach to loosen up a little bit. Mason (McCormick) has been a great compadre with that, because he’s next to him every single day. It’s fun when I get a little laugh out of Isaac and maybe a facial expression from Troy (Fautanu). Broderick (Jones) is probably the most gregarious of the group up front.
“I got a laugh out Darnell (Washington) today, which was fun. Big win, so small victories every day when it comes to the chemistry building stuff. Spent a lot of time talking with the receivers. A lot of text messages after hours with those guys.
“But that’s what it’s all about. Finding ways to connect with those guys. I have a built-in laugh track because I’m the old guy and I can recycle some old jokes from years past they haven’t heard before. Just trying to connect to the guys every single day.”
Rodgers is also working closely with younger players such as receiver Roman Wilson, offering guidance on both big plays and areas for improvement.
“I think he’s improving every day,” said Rodgers. “You can’t skew the results from the details. You look at his game the other night, he made a couple splash plays. But we’re going to coach him hard. His receiver coach, Art (Smith), and myself on the details, because the details are what make the difference.
“And even though he had a couple of big plays, there’s some room for improvement there. Wouldn’t say anything if we just thought he was going to be a guy, just any guy that could you throw in. But I think he has a chance to be a big-time talent in the league. So, we’re going to hold him to a high standard.
“I’m really happy with him, the way he’s played. But we’re going to hold him to a standard of excellence that I think he’s capable of reaching.”
With receiver Calvin Austin III sidelined by injury during camp, Rodgers has maintained communication and support for his teammate.
“He sits a couple over from me,” said Rodgers. “So just keeping him in the conversation, keep communicating with him. Nobody is more upset about not being out there than him So just trying to keep it positive with him as well.
“It’s hard to be hurt any time of the year, but camp, with a new quarterback and kind of building off the year he had last year. I’m sure there’s some frustration, but he hadn’t shown it. He’s one of the happiest guys, one of my favorite guys in locker room.
“I’ll be happy to get him back. He was out there for walkthrough today. So, I threw him a couple of balls. Made sure that oblique was feeling good. But I’m excited to get him back out.”
Although Rodgers has yet to play in an official preseason game for Pittsburgh this year, he participated in joint practices against Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week where he saw value in facing different defensive schemes.
“I thought it was good for us to get some work in,” said Rodgers.”I felt like there’s a lot of film to correct.Failure is always best this time of year…I thought we started practice really well…Then they kind of got after us…with very correctable things.I felt we got after them pretty good…But good film to work on.The thing I loved is there weren’t fans there…they felt comfortable bringing a lot of different pressures.So,I thought it was good work for us in protection game especially.”
Teammates have praised Rodgers’ use of cadence at practice—an aspect he attributes partly from watching Brett Favre early in his career.
“I’ve watched Brett Favre,” said Rodgers.”Brett Favre had a great cadence and so I copied things I liked and expanded where I felt like there was room…There’s rhythmic nature…and also non-rhythmic nature…important aspect…
“I would say being new team and new players,the focus and ability lock in cadence is some best I’ve seen training camp especially being new group like this.We’re not having pre-snap issues on cadence especially long counts has been really impressive and I got give credit saddlebag partner Zach(Frazier)up front.”
