Steelers' Cameron Heyward Urges QB Aaron Rodgers to Return in 2026

Heyward delivered a clear message to Rodgers, hoping the veteran QB will come back to Pittsburgh for another season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game in progress, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of black, gold, and white, creating a sense of dynamic motion and intensity.An abstract, cubist interpretation of a high-stakes NFL matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and their opponents, capturing the explosive energy and strategic complexity of professional football.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward made a public plea for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return to the team in 2026. Heyward, appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, said Rodgers 'wore the black and gold' and that the team 'really enjoyed his company' during his first season with the Steelers in 2025. The 42-year-old Rodgers is currently a free agent and has not yet decided if he will play next season.

Why it matters

The Steelers are waiting on Rodgers' decision, as he would provide a significant boost to their offense if he returns. Pittsburgh won the AFC North in 2025 with Rodgers at quarterback, and his experience and leadership were valuable assets. However, Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, so the Steelers must weigh the short-term benefits of having him back against finding a long-term solution at the position.

The details

In his first season with the Steelers in 2025, Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also averaged 6.7 yards per attempt while leading the team to a 10-6 record and the AFC North title. Heyward praised Rodgers' professionalism and football IQ, saying he 'operates on a different scale' when it comes to studying the game.

  • Rodgers turned 42 years old in December 2025.
  • Rodgers signed with the Steelers on June 5, 2025.
  • The Steelers are waiting on Rodgers' decision before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Cameron Heyward

A defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has been with the team since 2011.

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old quarterback who played his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 after spending the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'He's worn the black and gold. Just return, baby. That's all we need.'”

— Cameron Heyward, Steelers Defensive Lineman

“'I think everybody is all in on him. From what we got to see this season, we were pleasantly surprised how great he was.'”

— Cameron Heyward, Steelers Defensive Lineman

What’s next

The Steelers are waiting on Rodgers to decide whether he will play in the 2026 NFL season before the upcoming draft.

The takeaway

Heyward's public plea for Rodgers to return highlights the Steelers' desire to have the veteran quarterback back for another season. While Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, his experience and leadership were valuable assets in 2025, and the team is hopeful he will choose to play one more year in Pittsburgh.