Aaron Rodgers hasn’t yet played at Heinz Field for the Steelers, but that hasn’t stopped fans from showing their support—or lack thereof.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that fans were purchasing his merchandise even before the season kicked off. However, it’s not purely out of admiration for a potential Hall of Famer.
“Some folks are saying, ‘I want a shirt just to burn it,'” remarked Daniel Dudas, a staff member at Strip District Tee.
Several shop owners noted a rise in sales with his arrival on the scene.
Despite Rodgers promising that this would be his farewell season in the NFL after signing a one-year, $13 million deal, there hasn’t been a significant uptick in purchases of his replica jersey.
Instead, fans waving their Terrible Towels seem to prefer cheaper options they can use freely, even if that includes throwing them away, according to a store owner.
This coming season, Rodgers will don the Steelers’ No. 8, which is the same number he previously wore for the Jets.
“We’ve just signed a one-year contract because we believe this is it. The Steelers didn’t need to add any extra years,” Rodgers stated during an appearance on the “Pat McCuffy Show.”
“I want this to end with love, fun, and peace for my career.”
The four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer had a rough first season with the Jets, getting injured just minutes into the opener and missing most of the year.
When healthy, he didn’t particularly connect with Jets fans.
The Jets struggled last season, starting 2-3 and ultimately firing coach Robert Saleh as the team’s season unraveled.
Under the guidance of longtime coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers offer Rodgers a more stable setting.
This offseason, Pittsburgh made significant moves, acquiring DK Metcalf from the Seahawks while trading George Pickens to the Cowboys.
Currently, there’s also a contract dispute involving star pass rusher TJ Watt, adding another layer of distraction in Pittsburgh.
