Aaron Rodgers Channels John Elway - Building Bonds That Could Reshape Steelers Offense!
After bouncing around teams twice in the last four years, Aaron Rodgers has landed in Pittsburgh. But even at 41, the veteran QB hasn’t changed his playbook when it comes to keeping his teammates happy and earning their trust. That was pretty clear, and honestly, pretty refreshing, when he explained how he deals with a receiver griping about getting more targets.
“I welcome those conversations. I do,” Rodgers said, adding that whenever someone complains about getting fewer targets, he invites them to watch tape.
That way, they can learn more about their game, understand what they’re doing right and wrong, and build chemistry in practice before game day. Out there, it’s more intense than practice, as we all know, and without building trust between players, it’s impossible to win a single game.
“I usually say: ‘Let’s watch the film. Let’s talk about football.’ I mean, I love doing that. I think what young players learn is that practice is very important. When you show it week in and week out in practice, it gives a quarterback a lot of confidence to come your way with the football, throw it to the open guy,”
Rodgers also talked about how he’s been practicing specific plays with Pat Freiermuth since training camp, which translated into a touchdown in last week’s win against the Colts. He then mentioned that Roman Wilson has also built a strong rapport with him, who went for 74 yards on four catches and a touchdown in the loss to the Packers.
That kind of chemistry, former tight end Shannon Sharpe says, reminds him of what his QB John Elway built with him in Denver. Even though Sharpe was a seventh-rounder, Elway mentored him and gave him every opportunity to prove himself in practice and then shine under the Sunday night lights.
“Aaron is absolutely right,” Sharpe said on Nightcap, before adding, “The relationship that I forged with John [Elway], it happened in practice. Cause no matter where he put the ball, I was trying to get it. I was going up over people, I was making plays, and he’d always tell me, ‘That’s like you, that’s what I expect you to do.'”
Sharpe also recalled, “I said [to Elway], ‘You expect that from a seventh rounder?’ He said, ‘Nah, I don’t look at you like that'”
That’s some quality praise right there. And criticize Rodgers all you want, but time and time again, he continues to prove why he gets to play football for a team like the Steelers at the age of 41. He’s not just a good quarterback but also a good teammate and a leader of men.
Rodgers’ 5-3 Steelers are set to take on the high-flying 6-3 Chargers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Spencer Rattler Breaks Silence: “NFL Doesn’t Care About Your Pain — You Have to Play Anyway”
In an emotional revelation that’s shaking the NFL to its core, Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints has opened up about the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland, and his words are sending shockwaves across the league. Following the devastating news of Kneeland’s death, Rattler shared a brutally honest truth that no one saw coming — revealing the emotional struggle players face when the game demands they push aside personal pain.
Rattler, who briefly played alongside Kneeland during his time with the New Orleans Saints, called the loss of his former teammate “devastating” and a stark reminder of the unspoken pressure NFL players face. But it wasn’t just about the grief — it was about the expectation to perform no matter what:
"Everyone thinks the NFL is just about football. But the truth is, they don’t care what you're feeling. They just expect you to show up and play. We’re told to shut off our emotions, but that’s not realistic. I feel like we’re not allowed to grieve the loss of a brother because we have to get ready for a game. That’s the cold reality of this league."
A Wake-Up Call to Fans: "We're Not Machines"
Rattler’s shocking admission sheds light on the emotional toll that NFL players endure, often sacrificing their own mental well-being for the sake of the game. As the
"We’ve got to put our feelings aside for the fans, for our coaches, and for our teammates. But losing someone like Marshawn—it’s like losing a brother. It’s not just a game. People don’t understand how much time we spend with each other, and now I have to focus on beating the Packers while mourning my friend. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do."
A Brotherhood in Crisis?
As the NFL grapples with the tragic loss of Kneeland, Rattler’s powerful words are raising serious questions about the emotional cost of playing professional football.
Is the NFL a family, or is it a brutal machine that demands players sacrifice everything — including their emotions — for the game? The death of Kneeland is only the latest in a long line of heart-wrenching moments that show just how much players endure off the field.
