As 1st padded practice begins, Steelers' Aaron Rodgers expects big things from center Zach Frazier

Like any good quarterback, Aaron Rodgers is relying on his center to provide a steadying influence in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage.

That might sound odd considering that Rodgers is 41 years old and entering his 21st NFL season, while the player snapping the ball is 18 years younger and preparing for his second year in the league.

Rodgers, though, has that much faith and confidence in Zach Frazier to help him navigate the calls at the line of scrimmage during his first training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Because he didn’t sign with the Steelers until the day before minicamp in June and because he didn’t take his first snaps in a team period until last week, Rodgers is still getting caught up with the offensive scheme.

He is counting on Frazier, the 23-year-old center from West Virginia, leading the way.

“It starts with Zach,” Rodgers said Wednesday before the team’s first padded practice of camp. “He’s a highly intelligent player. It helps because as much as I have a good feel of the offense, I’m not what I would call an expert of the offense yet.

“I think you become an expert, well, I become an expert when you break the huddle and see the picture in my mind.”

That wasn’t always the case for Rodgers in the first four practices during the heat acclimation period. The initial padded practice was scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back 24 hours when rain forced the Steelers to take their workout indoors.

“Every now and then, the picture is a little fuzzy still,” Rodgers said. “I’m still working things out. Zach is so smart. He’s making the calls for me. I told him not to get used to that, that at some point I’m going to make the calls for you.”

The first few days of practice had some eventful moments for the oldest player in the NFL and the youngest center. Frazier had some low exchanges with Rodgers at the outset of 11-on-11 periods, including one that skipped past the quarterback.

Rodgers has taken steps toward making Frazier feel at ease snapping the ball to a four-time NFL MVP and former Super Bowl champion.

“Aaron brings lots of confidence, because you know he’s seen it all,” Frazier said. “You have confidence with him calling plays.”

The feeling, apparently, is mutual.

“He’s got a really good disposition for a center,” Rodgers said. “He’s a really talented player. His leadership is the thing I’d most like to see grow. Leadership often grows at the same rate as performance. Everyone knows what type of player he is, so he’s going to have opportunity to lead.”

When he met with reporters before practice, Rodgers said he was anticipating the padded session, noting that it had been almost a “decade” since he was on the field for what he called a “true tackling period.”

Rodgers predicted Frazier would be involved in the first fight with players sporting pads for the first time. That didn’t materialize Wednesday as, aside from a brief shoving match between Joey Porter Jr. and Robert Woods, players kept their cool in the 91-degree heat.

“When he gets those big West Virginia paws on somebody, that could definitely start something,” Rodgers said.

Running back Jaylen Warren worked with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last year and has taken handoffs from Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. He believes Rodgers’ experience sets him apart from his predecessors.

“He has a lot of knowledge about the game,” Warren said. “He likes to make little changes now and then. It’s not just changes without substances. He knows what he is doing. … He’s loose, and he makes sure we are all on the same page. He doesn’t like anybody leaving the huddle who isn’t.”

After the morning walkthrough, Rodgers was whisked across the Saint Vincent campus for an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” The presence of McAfee, a Plum grad and former West Virginia punter, brought an overflow crowd to the Unity Township campus.

Rodgers seemed to relish the chance to be interviewed amid the atmosphere on the hillside overlooking Chuck Noll Field as much as he has enjoyed practicing in front of thousands of fans every day.

Rodgers was asked if he’s having as much fun as it seems.

“Once it stops being fun, you probably should hang it up,” he said. “I like that we’re out here in Latrobe. I love the opportunity for true camaraderie at night after meetings are down. Guys hang out. Guys come in my room. Last night, I was in (Alex) Highsmith’s room. It’s cool to see guys hang out, and it’s been a lot of fun.”