Steelers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Loves Playing in Pittsburgh, Except for One Issue

Rodgers praises Steelers fans and stadium, but calls for improvements to the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium.

Mar. 8, 2026 at 9:20pm

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Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is a free agent, has expressed his fondness for playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, citing the enthusiastic fan base and the Acrisure Stadium itself. However, Rodgers has joined others in criticizing the playing surface at the stadium, which the Steelers have already committed to replacing. Despite this one issue, Rodgers' first season with the Steelers resulted in a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance, and the team is hopeful he will return, especially with new head coach Mike McCarthy, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

Why it matters

Aaron Rodgers is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and his potential return to the Steelers would be a major boost for the team as they look to build on their successful 2025 season. The Steelers' decision to address the playing surface issues at Acrisure Stadium could be a key factor in Rodgers' decision-making process.

The details

In his comments on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers praised the Steelers' passionate fan base and the overall experience of playing at Acrisure Stadium, with the exception of the playing surface. The Steelers have already committed to replacing the field, which has been a source of criticism for years. Rodgers' first season with the Steelers in 2025 resulted in a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance, although the team was eliminated in the Wild Card Round. The Steelers have a young quarterback in Will Howard on their roster, but Rodgers' experience and chemistry with new head coach Mike McCarthy make him an attractive option for the team.

  • Rodgers' first season with the Steelers was in 2025.
  • The Steelers have committed to replacing the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A free agent quarterback who has expressed interest in playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, praising the team's passionate fan base and the Acrisure Stadium experience, while criticizing the playing surface.

Will Howard

A young quarterback on the Steelers' roster who could be an inexperienced option for the team if Rodgers does not return.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

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What they’re saying

“Just seeing the response from the fans, and how much they loved the Black and Gold. And then, Acrisure, other than the field surface itself, is a great place to play.”

— Aaron Rodgers (Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

The Steelers must follow through on their commitment to replace the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium, which could be a key factor in Rodgers' decision to return to the team.

The takeaway

Aaron Rodgers' potential return to the Pittsburgh Steelers would be a major boost for the team, but the Steelers must address the long-standing issues with the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium to fully capitalize on Rodgers' interest in the team.