Terry Bradshaw isn’t the only Hall of Fame quarterback voicing concerns about Aaron Rodgers fitting into the Pittsburgh Steelers team. Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins legend, recognizes Rodgers’ extraordinary talent but stresses that his mental state will be crucial for a successful 2025 season.
Rodgers’ past two seasons with the New York Jets yielded disappointing outcomes before he agreed to join the Steelers.
“I still think Aaron has some game,” Marino said during an interview with 93.7 The Fan. “He can throw it as good as anybody that has ever thrown the football. If his mind’s into it and he’s ready to go, I don’t think it would be an issue with the Steelers.”
Marino continued, “But you gotta have someone that really wants to play there, and he’s getting older. So I don’t know what his mindset is. But he does still have talent.”
Questions remain about how much desire Rodgers has to play in Pittsburgh. After indicating that salary was not a primary concern, he had several options, including possible retirement, before deciding to join this storied franchise.
The Steelers have been struggling since their last playoff victory in 2016, largely due to difficulties identifying a standout quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement a couple of years ago.
Rodgers, who had a rough season in 2023 with just four snaps before a season-ending injury, recorded a 5-12 record with the Jets leading up to free agency. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin played a significant role in bringing him to Pittsburgh, according to ESPN.
As Marino pointed out, when Rodgers is performing at his peak, his skills are among the elite in the NFL. He is anticipated to integrate with his new teammates in time for mandatory minicamp next week, allowing six weeks to establish rapport before the training camp begins in July.
Rodgers is now the focal point in a quarterback room that also includes offseason signings Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and sixth-round draft pick Will Howard. As a decorated four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl participant, Rodgers adds significant clout to the Steelers, who hope for a transition to success following recent struggles.
