Rodgers’ Last Ride? Steelers Camp Is Pure Chaos, Dad Jokes, and a Whole New Vibe
LATROBE, Pa. — Mike McCarthy’s first Steelers training camp is not your older brother’s camp. The mornings start earlier, the music hits differently, and the surprise drills have a new name. But the biggest storyline? Aaron Rodgers is standing in the huddle for one last ride — and he says there’s “zero debate” about it.
Rodgers, entering Year 22, shrugged off preseason football as “not real football,” but he’s locked in on the next generation. He wants to see Will Howard and Drew Allar handle live-game pressure, and if he’s watching from the sideline, he’ll be the calm voice on the headset. “Occasional dad joke or one-liner,” he said. “Just keep everybody settled in.”
McCarthy’s new rhythm
The new head coach is building a program, not just a roster. He’s leaning on the “Steelers Six” fundamentals — ball security, blocking, tackling, big plays, pursuit and finish, and mannerisms and disguises. In practice that means fewer marathon team periods and more targeted, situational football. He has also introduced the “Franco Moment,” a pop-quiz drill that drops the MNF jingle mid-practice and forces the offense to scramble into sudden-change scenarios. It’s already producing theater: Jamel Dean jumped a route and took a Rodgers pass to the house for a 35-yard pick-six.
QB room is loaded — maybe four deep
Rodgers is the starter, but the battle behind him is real. Mason Rudolph is the steady veteran, Will Howard is the national-championship-winning QB who can’t wait to get hit again, and rookie Drew Allar has been flashing deep-ball talent. McCarthy has never kept four quarterbacks on a Week 1 roster, but he didn’t rule it out. “I’m not philosophically opposed to keeping the best players,” he said.
Breakouts, battles, and injury watch
With DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. missing practices — Pittman got banged up during Saturday night lights — rookie Germie Bernard has stepped in with the first team. Rodgers called him a “really bright future” while admitting the kid has plenty to learn. Roman Wilson, meanwhile, has been getting love from Rodgers and Metcalf after a strong spring. Asante Samuel Jr. is doing serious work in the secondary, earning “hell of a football player” praise from McCarthy. First-round tackle Max Iheanachor is working his way back from an upper-body injury and won’t play Thursday. Broderick Jones is cleared after neck surgery, but he’s still regaining strength — and winning reps in one-on-ones. The cornerback room is also banged up, with Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey on the PUP list.
Camp is pure Steelers country
There’s no place like Latrobe. A fan showed up with a “Gennings Dunker 4 President” sign and a red mullet wig. Pat Freiermuth pulled a kid out of an autograph scrum and got dubbed an unsung hero. Jaquan Brisker had more than 100 family members in the stands. And yes, someone screamed about getting their tonsils “aht.” It’s football, it’s family, and it’s a whole new era in Pittsburgh.
The preseason opener vs. Green Bay is Thursday. The QBs are ready. The popcorn is not.