Pittsburgh Steelers Welcomes Aaron Rodgers for One More Season

Jerome Bettis, a legendary figure in Pittsburgh Steelers history, got the news he hoped for: Aaron Rodgers is set to play another season in black and gold.

Last week, the Steelers officially signed Rodgers to a one-year contract valued at up to $25 million, sparking excitement among fans and players alike. Bettis expressed his enthusiasm, mentioning that they were hopeful—not overly certain—that Rodgers would consider returning for another year. “We’re thrilled because, well, we realize this is also his last year. There’s a palpable buzz about what’s ahead,” Bettis shared.

Rodgers has indicated that this will be his final season in the NFL. Bettis mentioned the Steelers’ goal is to send him off on a high note while also aiming for a successful season. “You want to give him a strong send-off, but it’s also about the future. So, we’re very optimistic about having Aaron back for his last ride,” he noted.

Last season marked Rodgers’ first with the Steelers. He started in 16 games, missing one due to an injury but showcased impressive stats with a 65.7% completion rate, throwing for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

Before signing Rodgers, the Steelers selected Drew Allard, a quarterback from Penn State, in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They also have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as backup options.

Bettis, known as “The Bus,” is one of the franchise’s all-time great running backs and a proud member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Looking ahead, Bettis is set to participate in the American Century Tournament from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. He expressed his amazement at how the tournament has grown over the years, which has raised over $8 million for various charities.

Although he has been a competitor in this tournament for many years, Bettis admitted he’s still working on getting into shape for it. He’s trying out a new swing, although he has some concerns about its durability.

Bettis shared that his favorite aspect of the tournament is interacting with athletes. “I think the best part is just being able to connect with the players. It’s something I miss since retiring, so getting that locker room vibe back is refreshing,” he remarked.

The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.