“Emotional” Aaron Rodgers’ Gratitude to Mike Tomlin After Steelers Make Playoffs Goes Viral

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is about to play in his first postseason game in nearly five years.

“Emotional” Aaron Rodgers’ Gratitude to Mike Tomlin After Steelers Make Playoffs Goes Viral

Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers (Image via NFL on CBS/X)

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Almost a year ago, Aaron Rodgers was not sure if any NFL team wanted him or if any opportunity that arose would be good enough to entice him to continue playing at his age. After all, he was coming off a brutal two seasons with the New York Jets, where he suffered the most significant injury of his career, and was often painted as the scapegoat for their struggles.

Except for the Los Angeles Rams, who eventually decided to stick with Matthew Stafford rather than bring in a new quarterback, not many teams were interested in signing the California native.

Thank you for bringing me here.

Aaron Rodgers said to Mike Tomlin

This was the 42-year-old’s first words he said to his head coach after their playoff-clinching Week 18 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rodgers also went up to Cam Heyward and thanked him.

It seems the four-time league MVP was grateful to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization for giving him a chance to continue playing football at the highest level.

In fact, amidst all the rumors about potential offers, it seems Aaron Rodgers had no other option apart from the Steelers. Had they decided to sign someone else, the Golden Bear might have hung up his cleats.

Now, instead of closing out another season in disappointment, the QB is set to return to work as his team needs to prepare for the upcoming Wild Card battle against the Houston Texans at home.

Aaron Rodgers excited for first postseason in five years

That game will be the first time Aaron Rodgers appears in a postseason battle since the 2021 Divisional Round game, when his Green Bay Packers lost to the San Francisco 49ers.

Cam Heyward and Aaron Rodgers soaking in their Week 18 win
Cam Heyward and Aaron Rodgers soaking in their Week 18 win (Image via Steelers Wire/X)

It’s pretty emotional, honestly. It’s been a great year, so. I’m thankful for these guys and excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.

Aaron Rodgers told NBC

This was the recently married quarterback’s reaction when asked about his reaction to their Week 18 win. Since that game punched their ticket to the postseason, Rodgers’ eyes welled up as he talked about his year of resurgence.

Before this game against the Ravens, the signal caller had talked about how he was content with his year, no matter the result. For someone who has been through the murky waters in the past two years, the run to the playoffs, as his emotions confirmed, has been a surreal experience.

Next week, Aaron Rodgers will get back his No. 1 target in DK Metcalf, as the wide receiver will complete his two-game suspension for confronting a Detroit Lions fan in Week 16.

Aaron Rodgers’ younger teammate sings his praise

One of the reasons Aaron Rodgers has managed to earn the respect of the NFL world back was the way he has led the Pittsburgh Steelers on important game-altering drives.

He cracked a joke to us before the final drive. He keeps us calm, he keeps us collected. Anytime we are in those situations, we know 8’s going to take care of us.

Pat Freiermuth told NBC

This was the tight end detailing how his veteran quarterback has helped to keep the offense calm when the team needed to dig deep and overcome the obstacles in front of them to reach their goal.

Freiermuth also revealed that Rodgers has been a true leader, educating the younger players on life and its path. It seems this Pittsburgh Steelers team has taken to him for what he is as an athlete and a person, fueling the possibility of him returning for next season.

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