Mike Tomlin Explains What Makes Aaron Rodgers Particular

Mike Tomlin is a soccer junkie, so having the chance to teach an all-time nice like Aaron Rodgers is one thing he’s savoring. In a latest interview with Kevin Clark on This Is Soccer, Tomlin defined two issues that make Rodgers so particular — one factor on the sector and one factor off it.

“The ad-lib element of his recreation,” Tomlin mentioned when requested concerning the problem of defending Rodgers over time. “A number of instances there’s negativity that comes with the ad-lib, however the nice ones, they handle that properly and he definitely matches into that class. His means to increase performs and ad-lib with out offensive negativity has been actually spectacular over the course of his profession.”

Rodgers can’t transfer the identical approach he used to have the ability to at 41 years outdated, however final yr was a poor illustration of what he’s able to. Not solely was he only a yr faraway from an Achilles harm, however he handled a laundry listing of different accidents final season.

When he might transfer, he was one of the vital harmful ad-lib quarterbacks within the recreation with loads of athleticism to flee strain and an uncanny means to string the needle with off-platform throws whereas on the run.

Right here is only one of many examples from his profession highlights.

Tomlin additionally has a deep appreciation of Rodgers’ strategy to the sport.

“He has an absolute love affair with the sport of soccer,” Tomlin mentioned. “It’s simply no element of the sport or course of that I’ve seen within the time that I’ve been round him that he doesn’t get pleasure from. And that’s simply actually a cool factor contemplating he’s been doing it some time.”

With the lengthy resolution course of this offseason and a sturdy suggestion that 2025 can be his closing yr earlier than the season even started, some questioned how a lot his coronary heart is within the recreation. Tomlin’s phrases recommend that isn’t a priority in any respect. And Rodgers’ actions over the past two months have backed that up.

He hosted teammates in Malibu, he did a 90-day exercise program at Proactive Sports activities Efficiency, and he reportedly met with Arthur Smith to go over the finer particulars of the offense. He advised his teammates he was all-in on the primary day of signing with the group, and he’s confirmed that to be true.

The Steelers are simply hoping they will seize lightning in a bottle on the tail finish of a legendary profession. And who is aware of, perhaps Rodgers will stick round for yet one more season if all goes properly.