DK Metcalf Is a Big Reason Why Aaron Rodgers Signed with the Steelers

Aaron Rodgers lauded DK Metcalf for his work ethic and claimed he was one of the big reasons that encouraged him to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.

DK Metcalf Is a Big Reason Why Aaron Rodgers Signed with the Steelers

Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf (Image Credits: L-via IMAGO, R-via Seattle Times)

Aaron Rodgers gave Steelers fans a reason to rejoice as he officially signed with the team last week. The future Hall of Famer has made it clear that this season will be his last in the NFL. As the curtains fall on a beautiful career that witnessed one Super Bowl win and four regular-season MVPs, Rodgers is not letting that influence his performance this year.

The quarterback picked the Steelers as his team for a reason. Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin have a long-standing relationship. Interestingly, Rodgers beat Tomlin and the Steelers to win his only championship. Now, he has teamed up with coach Tomlin. If they can reach the Super Bowl, then this would be the perfect way to end Rodgers’ career.

Apart from Tomlin, there is another big reason that prompted Rodgers to sign with the Steelers. The team’s newest star receiver, DK Metcalf, is one talented beast. Pittsburgh made an early show of faith in the wideout by offering him a $130 million extension, which is the largest the franchise has paid for a receiver.

Rodgers’ interest in joining Pittsburgh strengthened once Metcalf signed with the franchise. The subsequent departure of George Pickens did not scare him from committing to the team, as he knows what Metcalf is capable of.

Aaron Rodgers believes DK Metcalf inspires his teammates to work harder

During his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers revealed the role Metcalf played in his signing with the Steelers. The veteran admitted being impressed by the young star’s talent and work ethic.

There is good leadership. DK is a lead-by-example guy. He’s a big reason that I’m in Pittsburgh as well. Conversations we had, and the kind of person he is…I didn’t really know DK at all, and he’s like, ‘I work out at 6 a.m. every day,’ and I’m like, okay, already this guy has discipline, this guy has a drive…

Rodgers spoke highly of his new teammate on air.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is excited to have DK Metcalf as his receiver (IMAGO)

The quarterback praised Metcalf’s leadership style and work ethic. The receiver believes in leading by example. He puts in the work first, so that his teammates can understand how high the bar is. Rodgers and Metcalf got an opportunity to work out together shortly after the latter signed his deal with the Steelers.

It was during this time that the four-time MVP really understood the kind of teammate Metcalf would go on to become. The receiver admitted to practicing early, at 6 a.m. daily, but Rodgers, a Malibu resident, had to push the time ahead by two hours due to the long drive he had to make to UCLA. Their workout went well, and the quarterback decided that being a Steeler is not entirely a bad idea!

He’s not just a specimen, but he’s a really solid human being. He’s a solid solid dude and he leads by example. The way he practices…one of the most encouraging thing is that the room goes how the top dog goes. When DK catches a ball and finishes 60 yards to the end zone, it makes everyone else want to do the same thing.

Metcalf’s genetics are out-of-this-world. This is a 6’4″ man weighing 235 pounds, who at one point fueled his body primarily through candy. That is a feat that the majority of athletes on steroids would struggle to achieve, whereas Metcalf has been doing this naturally. He is physically strong, but his muscles do not slow him down while running.

Despite the genetic advantage, Rodgers lauded Metcalf for working hard. This impacts the locker room as younger receivers Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson push themselves harder and grow when they see that a star of Metcalf’s caliber is outworking them, even though he is one of the best in the league.

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