Aaron Rodgers says Favre-inspired weapon paying off with Steelers, 'really impressive'
Aaron Rodgers has started more games than any player in the NFL — so it’s safe to say he’s learned a thing or two.
It’s hard not to when you’re that old…
Rodgers has picked up all sorts of hardware during stints with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets — okay, he didn’t do anything with the latter — before signing on for what likely is his final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s something he learned before he ever started playing that helps the most this late into his career, however.
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers learned key skill from Brett Favre
Rodgers discussed how he learned the art of the hard count while playing behind Brett Favre during an appearance on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.
“Brett Favre had a great cadence, so I copied the things I liked and expanded where I felt like there was room to expand,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been doing it for a long time — there’s a rhythmic nature to it and also a non-rhythmic nature to it that is an important aspect of it.”
Rodgers has introduced the art to his new teammates, who seem to be taking to it well.
“I would say being with a new team and with new players, the focus and the ability to lock in with cadence is some of the best I’ve seen for a training camp, especially being with a new group like this,” Rodgers said. “We are not having free snap issues on the cadence, especially with long counts, has been really impressive. I got to give credit to my saddlebag partner, Zach [Frazier] upfront.”
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers’ effectiveness with weapon hasn’t been great since 2020
Rodgers was long known for his ability to draw penalties with the hard count, but those numbers have diminished in recent seasons.
It’s actually astonishing how far they’ve fallen…
Rodgers led the entire league in drawn penalties back in 2014 but finished in last place in 2024.
| YEAR: | PENALTIES DRAWN: |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | N/A |
| 2024 | 3 |
Aaron Rodgers drawn penalties since 2020
Rodgers will hope that things can turn back in the other direction with a more competent team around him.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (70 drawn penalties since 2020) and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (44 drawn penalties since 2021) have certainly benefited from that in recent seasons. The Steelers hope to do the same.
This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.
