Rodgers Sings Tomlin's Praises

Rodgers Sings Tomlin's Praises originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Aaron Rodgers is entering his 21st season in the NFL, and Mike Tomlin is about to start his 19th with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite their long tenures, the two have never worked together until now.

Tomlin spent much of the offseason focused on bringing the four-time MVP to Pittsburgh. Rodgers said the two spoke “at least once a week” before he made his final decision to return to the NFL and join the Steelers.

On Saturday at training camp in Latrobe, Rodgers sat down with NFL Network and shared his thoughts on the new partnership. He had high praise for Tomlin.

“It was like you were talking to an old friend," Rodgers said. "At my old age, I really appreciated that.”

"It was like talking to an old friend."@AaronRodgers12 on the impression that @Steelers HC Mike Tomlin left on him during their weekly phone calls this offseason.

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— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2025

Rodgers opened up about what those conversations were like and how Tomlin never pressured him into making a decision.

“I respected how he talked to me," Rodgers said. "A conversation, getting to know him. Hearing about his schedule. Who is important in his life? And him asking me. And remembering important things about my life, too.”

The 41-year-old quarterback emphasized the personal connection that developed between them.

“It really made an impression on me," he added. "I never once felt like I was talking to a coach; it was like talking to an old friend.”

Tomlin, is now entering his 19th season with the Steelers, he’s still just 53 years old and has never had a losing season as head coach. He holds a career record of 191-118-2 and led the Steelers to a Super Bowl XLIII title. However, Pittsburgh has gone 10-7 in each of the past two seasons and lost both times in the AFC wild card round. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season.

Pittsburgh’s first preseason game is set for August 9 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fans will get their first look at Rodgers in black and gold at home on August 16 when the Steelers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Related: Aaron Rodgers’ First Play at Steelers Camp Ends in Embarrassment

Related: Aaron Rodgers' Heartfelt Reason Why He's Back for 21st NFL Season

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.