“That’s the Only Reason Aaron Rodgers Comes Back” – Ex-Steelers Coach Thinks Pittsburgh Has a Chance to Reach the Super Bowl

Throughout his illustrious career, Aaron Rodgers‘ future plans have been a source of major speculation. However, according to former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, those familiar with Rodgers’ mindset weren’t truly surprised when the 42-year-old decided to return.

At the beginning of the offseason, the Steelers had two quarterbacks, Mason Rudolph and second-year Will Howard. In the draft, the Steelers selected Penn State alum Drew Allar.

The Steelers still waited for an answer from Rodgers. General manager Omar Khan refused to reveal much about Rodgers’ whereabouts. Finally, in May, Rodgers agreed to sign a one-year extension.

On the latest episode of the Rich Eisen Show, Mike Tomlin revealed that he already knew that Rodgers was coming back to win the Super Bowl.

That’s the only reason Aaron [Rodgers] comes back. He believes it; I believe it. I don’t think he comes back if he doesn’t believe that. They got the bones of having a good unit in all three phases.

Mike Tomlin said

While Aaron Donald’s return to the Rams skyrocketed the Los Angeles club’s chances of winning the Super Bowl, the same can’t be said about the Steelers. According to ESPN, the Steelers boast 50-1 odds even with Rodgers as the starting quarterback.

Tomlin believes it’s a good thing that the Steelers are going under the radar.

Certainly, they are not being talked about compared to how others are being talked about, but that can be a good motivator as well. I think they have high expectations, and I think they should have high expectations.

Tomlin said

Rodgers revealed that his wife, Brittany, and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy helped him decide to extend his career. McCarthy obviously was the coach of the 2011 Green Bay Packers team that won the Super Bowl by defeating Tomlin’s Steelers.

In 2025, the Steelers signed Rodgers following a disappointing spell with the New York Jets. Rodgers chose the Steelers to learn from Tomlin. The Steelers edged the Baltimore Ravens on the final day of the regular season to claim the AFC North crown. They crashed out of the playoffs at the wildcard stage. Experts projected the 4x NFL MVP to retire from football, until he opted to return for another year. However, the 2026 season will be his last.

Ex-Steeler gives his honest thoughts on Aaron Rodgers

There was immense hype surrounding Kaleb Johnson when the Steelers selected him 83^rd overall last year. He impressed the coaches at camp but was buried in the depth chart behind Jaylen Warren or Kenny Gainwell.

Johnson only managed 28 carries for 69 yards in 10 appearances. After Gainwell entered free agency, Johnson was expected to take the number 2 spot behind Warren. But the former Iowa star was traded to the Green Bay Packers.

Packers reporter Rob Demovsky asked Johnson to share his experience learning from Aaron Rodgers.

I learned a lot from him. It was just, overall, the little things he always talked about. I’ll be messing up on it, he’ll come talk to me about it, and the play would go on, I remember it, and he’ll slap my ears, slap my hands, ‘good job’.

Johnson said

New Packers RB Kaleb Johnson on how hard Aaron Rodgers was on him last year as a rookie in Pittsburgh: pic.twitter.com/7oUAN5ottu

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 1, 2026

According to sources, the Packers traded for Johnson due to the uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs’ availability, as he could be facing jail time.

As for the Steelers, Warren will share rushing duties with former Dallas Cowboy Rico Dowdle, who spent last year with the Carolina Panthers. 2026 seventh-round draft pick Eli Heidenreich is RB3. The Steelers open their season in Boston against the New England Patriots.

Also Read:

• Dan Orlovsky Compares Aaron Donald’s Unretirement With Tom Brady’s Move to Bucs, Leaves Stephen A. Smith Baffled
• Lamar Jackson Advised to Leave the Ravens by Ex-NFL Star