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Aaron Rodgers: 'I don't give a shit' about hate, doubters ahead of 2025 season with Steelers

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra07/30/25SamraSource
Aaron Rodgers
(Charles LeClaire)

Aaron Rodgers has been the most polarizing player in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. Now, as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he doesn’t care what anyone has to say about him — the four time NFL MVP just wants to win football games.

“I don’t give a shit about that,” Rodgers responded to Pat McAfee during an appearance on his show, regarding anyone peddling doubt about whether he can still get the job done. It’s evident that legendary quarterback isn’t playing to make fiends, but to notch victories with his teammates.

It’s tough to blame Rodgers for his mindset. He’s proven to be able to get the job done, even at his advanced age — last season with the New York Jets, he passed for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions amid uncertainly with the franchise’s future.

In a more stable environment with the Steelers, he could rise above and lead them to the promise land. At least that’s what he’s hoping, and what Mike Tomlin and company are wishing for. That’s why Pittsburgh signed him to a deal worth $13.65 million and $10 million guaranteed.

In what could be his final season in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers is where he wants to be, and not worried about any conjecture. We’ll see if it all pays off for the quarterback in Pittsburgh, but doubt the Steelers at your own risk.

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Later in his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers waxed poetic about longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. The four-time NFL MVP explained what playing for the Pittsburgh leader means to him.

“Mike T is the man. Any hate, disrespect and ilk is complete and utter bullshit. Mike T is the man,” Rodgers proclaimed. “From Day 1 that we talked on the phone in the off-season, I was never talking to a head coach, I was talking to a friend. I respected the hell out of that. I have crazy respect for him. The way that he leads the room, the way that he talks in the team meeting, the way he is in practice. 

“The surprise has been just what a great dude he is. What a great leader he is. On top of what I already expected, which was already high, based on what I thought from a far. Being able to see it in person is incredible. 

“He’s the type of guy that — every great coach makes you want to play for (them). What I mean, to expand on that is, you care so deeply about the person, you don’t want to let him down. That’s the aura, and that’s the respect that Mike has from his players. You want to play for this guy, because you know how much he cares and you don’t want to let him down.”

As you can tell, Rodgers is more than motivated to bring success to the Steelers because of his head coach. Whether or not that comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the duo seems like a match made in heaven for Pittsburgh.