Aaron Rodgers Begins New Chapter with Steelers: Yet Another Helmet Hassle
Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but there’s a catch—he’s not fond of helmets.
“I really can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers expressed to reporters on Tuesday. “I wore a Schutt for two decades, yet somehow, it didn’t meet the latest safety standards.” It’s a bit surprising since you’d think a model that has been around for that long would be fine, but safety regulations evolve.
Last season, Rodgers donned the Shut Air XP Pro Q11 Ltd model, which is not commonly seen in the NFL; in fact, only a few players like Joe Flacco and Thomas Morstead used the same kind.
He admitted that he’s not used to switching helmets. Once, when he had to find a new one back in 2019, he thought he had chosen well. But faced with another change now, he’s realizing the challenges again.
Now, as he navigates minicamp, he finds himself searching for a new helmet yet again. It seems like every time they come out with new tech, older models get pushed aside, sort of making it a constant struggle for players.
Already, in just a few days with the Steelers, Rodgers has made some headlines. He revealed his wedding ring to a reporter on Tuesday, indicating he has been with his partner for “a few months.” Speculation surrounding his marital status bubbled up since a photo of him surfaced with the ring prominently displayed.
Rodgers indeed confirmed he’s been married, having previously mentioned a relationship with a woman named Brittany on a show last December.
He recently signed a one-year deal with the Steelers, potentially worth up to $19.5 million plus bonuses. This has been a long offseason for him, with many assuming he’d end up in Pittsburgh.
As the Steelers drafted quarterback Wil Howard in the sixth round, many felt it pointed to Rodgers joining the team—a sense of inevitability seemed to hang in the air.
While he acclimates to his new surroundings, including a new teammate, DK Metcalf—who was traded to the Steelers from the Seattle Seahawks—Rodgers has some helmet hunting to do. It seems like adapting never ends.
