Aaron Rodgers glad to get 1st pick 'out of the way' on 1st training camp throw with Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger once bragged he went an entire training camp without throwing an interception.

Aaron Rodgers can’t make that claim in his first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 41-year-old quarterback didn’t escape the initial team period Thursday at Saint Vincent College without throwing a pick. His first attempt, in fact, found its way into the hands of inside linebacker Patrick Queen.

So much for making that seamless first impression with his new organization.

“It’s good to get it out of the way,” Rodgers said with a smirk.

The work in team periods was the first for Rodgers since he signed a contract with the Steelers in June. He attended the team’s three-day minicamp but was a bystander when 11-on-11 drills commenced.

Coach Mike Tomlin already had anointed Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and former Super Bowl champion, as the team’s starting quarterback with no training camp competition forthcoming. And he didn’t waste time putting Rodgers to work in the first of 15 practices open to the public over the next three weeks.

“Anybody who has watched me practice over the years, you like to try certain throws at certain times,” Rodgers said about his ill-timed pass that was intended for DK Metcalf. “Anybody who has watched me in games knows I’m pretty stellar at taking care of the football over the years. There are going to be picks, for sure. I’m going to try to fit certain things in.

“You have to deal with some sweat on the ball from time to time. It’s going to be a challenge throwing in this heat every day, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to throw some picks, but I’m going to throw some touchdowns, too.”

Rodgers was one of several new faces on an offense that was revamped after the Steelers ended the 2024 season with five consecutive losses, including a wild-card playoff game at Baltimore. Metcalf and tight end Jonnu Smith, who did not practice Thursday, are among the other newcomers on offense.

That Rodgers threw an interception on his first attempt was hardly surprising considering the lack of work he had with his teammates in the spring. Aside from one throwing session with Metcalf, Rodgers’ only on-field passing sessions with his teammates came in a private workout at his offseason home in Malibu, Calif.

“I mean, we’re not going to win or lose the Super Bowl Week 1 or we’re not going to win or lose the Super Bowl on practice one in Latrobe,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said “We’re trying to get better for the long haul, and it’s really his first reps with the offense since he’s been here. He’s trying to get familiar with us, and it will be fine.”

With Rodgers not throwing passes to teammates in an official practice setting until Thursday, it raises the question of how much time he will need to get ready for the season. In Roethlisberger’s later seasons, he would take part in a full practice one day, do a half practice the next and then follow with a day of rest.

Tomlin will have to navigate the tightrope of getting Rodgers ready for the season opener and not overdoing it for a veteran entering his 21st season.

“It’s really simple,” Tomlin said. “Different people need a different number of reps based on their intellect and experience. In an environment like this, it’s my job to give guys what they need. The less they need, the more opportunities and reps (it creates) for those that need it.”

When asked about his goals for what he has called his likely final season, Rodgers declined to share them with reporters. But he is on board with the flurry of moves made by general manager Omar Khan.

A few weeks after Rodgers signed with the Steelers, Khan made a blockbuster deal with Miami, acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Smith. Khan said a day earlier that the team’s goal after this offseason of change is to win the Super Bowl.

“Most of the 32 teams would say something to that accord at this time of the year,” Rodgers said. “I think there are really only 6-8 that have a legitimate chance. Sometimes, it’s 10-12, and there are teams that surprise you.

“I would say on paper we’re probably one of those 10-12.”