Aaron Rodgers has gone by many names. A-Rod, 12 and even the bad man. But since he arrived in Pittsburgh, he has a new nickname: the “glue guy.” The quarterback is holding this locker room together in ways nobody expected. Rodgers has turned into a teacher, a coach, and occasionally, a wisecracking philosopher inside the building.

The Steelers are going up against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, and DK Metcalf gave his insights on how A-Rod operates as a leader. He was asked what “stood out” to him about Rodgers’ abilities in leading this team. And what Metcalf said sums up that Rodgers isn’t just calling plays; he’s shaping the culture.

“Just his communication aspect,” Metcalf said. “We have player led meetings on Thursdays where he’s the head of the meeting. He does a lot of coaching up there. What he sees that we can do better and everybody just listen to him and take notes.”

Rodgers has been everything the Steel City needed this year after last year’s QB mistakes. He has thrown for 1,270 yards, the most by any quarterback over 40 this season with the same team. His 8.1% touchdown rate leads the NFL. And that’s not all.

He’s hitting 68.8% of his throws this year. That’s up from just 63% last season. Plus, he’s got 14 touchdowns and a 105.0 passer rating (9th in the NFL). The Steelers sit at 4-2 and on top of the AFC North. But the stats are just one part of the story. 

Inside the huddle, Rodgers has become the loudest standard-setter. Receiver Ben Skowronek said it best: “Aaron’s the ultimate competitor. If you mess up in practice, he’s gonna be on your a—.”

Off the field, he’s building something real. Rodgers invited teammates to his Malibu home during the offseason, took the O-line to Penguins games. A sharp balance of laid-back and demanding.

“He demands a lot of perfection,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “But there’s a calmness to the approach during the week where you’re not stressed out from Monday to Saturday of what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it. He teaches you. He leads with grace.” 

So, everyone’s loving Rodgers’ vibe. The only problem is that it was supposed to be a one-year affair. But now, the head coach, Mike Tomlin, clearly has other plans.

Mike Tomlin isn’t ready to let Aaron Rodgers walk just yet

During the offseason, A-Rod made it clear on the Pat McAfee Show, “I’m pretty sure this is it. That’s why we just did a one-year deal…This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.” But now, halfway through the season, Tomlin clearly wants an encore.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, “The Steelers will scour the draft market for the QB of the future, for sure. They are already doing so. But if you ask people with the team whether they’d entertain the notion of Rodgers in the black-and-gold in 2026, the answer would be a resounding yes. He has maintained his elite ability to throw the football.” And Tomlin isn’t hiding it.

“He loves it. So, he loves the process,” Tomlin said this week. “He loves to talk ball. He loves to educate his teammates to get on the same page.” Tomlin called him “excellent” at solving problems and praised his presence beyond just physical skill. 

At 41, Rodgers is still slinging it better than half the league. His decision to coach, teach, and lead has made him more than a temporary fix. The Steelers will still eye their future at quarterback. But for now, that future might look a lot like No. 8.