Aaron Rodgers has plenty to prove heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season opener after a rather unexceptional 2024 from both a team and an individual perspective. But just hours ahead of his season debut, one of Rodgers’ new teammates shared a ringing endorsement for his star quarterback.
At 41 years of age, some certainly believe that Rodgers’ best days may very well be behind him. But the Steelers organization handed the reins over to Rodgers ,believing that he still has plenty left in the tank to help make the Steelers a true contender in the AFC.
It seems as if Rodgers also has the full belief of his Steelers teammates as well.
Prior to Sunday’s Week 1 game, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen spoke with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo about his expectations for Rodgers, explaining how he believes that Rodgers will put together a “great” performance like we have seen from him on countless occasions.
“He has a lot to prove, but a whole lot not to prove,” said Queen of Rodgers. “Just go out there and play free. Doing the things that he does. I think he will be great and I can’t wait to watch.”
From @NFLGameDay Morning with #Steelers LB Patrick Queen, who knows QB Aaron Rodgers wants to prove something against the #Jets today: “Yeah of course. I mean, who wouldn’t? … I think he’ll be great and I can’t wait to watch.” pic.twitter.com/pjBR9ICtrn
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 7, 2025
More news: Packers’ Micah Parsons Throws Jab at Lions Ahead of Week 1 Matchup
One factor that Rodgers has going in his favor heading into 2025 is that he is coming into an organization with a longstanding track record of success, coached by one of the greatest coaches in all of football in Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin has famously never had a losing season throughout his 18-year tenure in Pittsburgh and has led the organization to the postseason in four of the last five seasons.
But for as great as the Steelers organization has been, there is certainly some uncertainty that Rodgers will have to navigate when it comes to some of the new offensive weapons in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, of course, lost longtime starting running back Najee Harris in free agency along with trading George Pickens this past offseason. But the team did go a long way in replacing them with talented options, drafting Iowa standout running back Kaleb Johnson along with trading for former Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
More news: NFL Insider Reveals Target Return Date for Buccaneers Star Wide Receiver
It remains to be seen whether the Steelers have the offensive weapons required to be true contenders in the AFC. Or whether Rodgers has the capabilities at his advanced age to be a difference maker in Pittsburgh.
But at the very least, it sure seems like Rodgers’ teammates are confident in his abilities in Week 1, which could go a long way in helping propel the Steelers to a strong start in 2025.
For more on the Steelers, head to Newsweek Sports.
The post Steelers Star Shares Bold Prediction for Aaron Rodgers in Week 1 appeared first on Newsweek.
