Mike Tomlin Drops Cryptic Hint: What Did He Really Know About Steelers and Aaron Rodgers?

So, here’s the real kicker: the Pittsburgh Steelers, for months on end, played it like Aaron Rodgers was their guy — even while whispers swirled that he might just hang up his cleats for good. Risky? Absolutely. Reckless? Maybe. Yet, Mike Tomlin, that ever-calculating head coach, let us all in on a little secret: he knew all along Rodgers was coming to Pittsburgh. What kind of mojo does a coach have to possess to be that sure, especially when the stakes were sky-high and no backup plan was in sight? It’s a masterclass in quiet confidence and strategic conviction — and it begs the question, how often do we underestimate the chess games played behind closed doors in the NFL? Buckle up, because this isn’t just about a quarterback signing; it’s about the blazing ember of competitive fire that refuses, against all odds, to flicker out.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. — (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

For months, the Pittsburgh Steelers operated as if Aaron Rodgers was going to be their quarterback.

Their interest in signing him was an open secret, but Rodgers was reportedly still considering retirement.

That seemed like a dangerous gamble, as the Steelers didn’t seem to have a Plan B in place.

However, it looks like there wasn’t a Plan B because they didn’t need one.

According to head coach Mike Tomlin, he always knew that Rodgers was going to sign with the Steelers.

“[Aaron Rodgers] has been doing it for 21 years. Four-time MVP, all of that stuff. I just wanted to know why. Why does the fire still burn? What is his agenda Those are some of the conversations that we had in the spring. All he wants to do is win. All he wants to do is have fun within the game. And you’re right, I knew something,” Tomlin said.

Mike Tomlin admitted to knowing that Aaron Rodgers was coming to the #Steelers prior to the 2025 draft.

(via: @thepivot)
pic.twitter.com/fc7OVcNAeR

— JPA Football (@jasrifootball) August 10, 2025

Of course, this isn’t necessarily a surprise, as there’s always something going on behind closed doors.

The Steelers would’ve backed themselves into a dangerous corner if Rodgers had chosen to retire.

They would’ve had to explore trades without any sort of leverage, or they would’ve had to roll with Mason Rudolph as their starter.

Rodgers admitted that this will most likely be his final year in the league.

He’s flirted with retirement for the past three years now, and he may no longer have the same burning desire to compete at the highest level at this point in his career.

The Steelers believe he can give them one great year before riding into the sunset, and they’ve made some big offseason moves to make sure to give him the type of supporting cast he needs to be at his best.

Regardless of how he fares, however, this team will be right back in the quarterback market next offseason, so there’s clearly a lot at stake here.

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