The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting quarterback room for the 2025 season. With Aaron Rodgers set as the starter, Mason Rudolph returns as the backup after a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans. Will Howard and Skylar Thompson are also on the roster, but most of the attention in camp has been on Rodgers, Rudolph and Howard. Rodgers has brought a noticeable energy to the team, Howard has impressed early in camp with his athleticism and decision-making, and Rudolph is clearly enjoying being back in Pittsburgh.
Rudolph left in free agency following a strong finish to the 2023 season, when he helped guide the Steelers into the playoffs. He signed with the Titans for the 2024 season, but the opportunity to return to Pittsburgh came sooner than expected.
When the Steelers showed interest after the 2024 season, Rudolph jumped at the chance to come back, and shortly after, the team brought in Rodgers as well. The dynamic between the two veterans has become one of the more intriguing aspects of camp.
Rudolph has expressed how excited he is to be back with the Steelers and to work with a quarterback like Rodgers. Learning from a four-time league MVP is a unique opportunity, and Rudolph is making the most of it.
His energy, confidence, and familiarity with the team have made him a strong presence in the quarterback room, and the Steelers are clearly valuing what he brings on and off the field in 2025. Rudolph joked with Steelers insider Mark Kaboly about how much he admires Rodgers.
"Yeah, I have to temper my warmth because I had a buddy send me a video and [he] said, 'Bro, your eyes are glazing every single time you are talking about Aaron Rodgers, so relax, take it easy.' Haha. But he has been great," Rudolph said. "He has been very helpful and very friendly and open to questions, whether that be football or non-football."
While many wondered if Rodgers coming to Pittsburgh might create a problem with team chemistry, the reality has been quite the opposite. The quarterback room is thriving, and the atmosphere has been nothing but positive. Rodgers has stepped into a mentorship role, working closely with Rudolph and Howard, and the group seems to be building a strong bond.
Rudolph recently shared a hilarious story about how often he talks about Rodgers. He said one of his good friends called him and joked that he was "glazing" Rodgers every time he mentioned him. Rudolph clearly has a lot of respect for the veteran quarterback, but even he admits he might need to tone it down when talking to his friends or the Pittsburgh media.
"I am really enjoying it," Rudolph said. "I am trying to pick up anything I can from him. He has played a lot more football than most of us will ever know, so it’s a great resource."
Rudolph has especially benefited from Rodgers’ presence and has made it clear how much he’s enjoying the opportunity to learn. Being back in Pittsburgh has given him a renewed energy, and he’s been fully engaged throughout camp. The early signs point to a healthy dynamic where all three quarterbacks are pushing each other and growing together.
Steelers' Rodgers Is Elevating Team Chemistry To New Heights
The fear was that Rodgers would create a media circus. That has happened to some degree, but not in the way many believed it would. In fact, most of the media attention has been overwhelmingly positive toward Rodgers.
It is still early, and things can change very fast in the NFL. However, right now, this Steelers team chemistry is at an all-time high. As the 2025 season progresses and the new faces begin to gel together, this Pittsburgh team could peak at the right time. Rodgers and the rest of the newcomers have elevated the energy in Pittsburgh. Now the eyes are on them to see if they can sustain it for a full season.
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