The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, which is a press release most Steelers followers could be excited by if it had been true anytime in the course of the previous couple of a long time. In 2025, although, it causes some to fret. He’s now 41 years previous and can flip 42 late within the common season. That, mixed with the truth that Rodgers injured his Achilles almost two years in the past, causes some to surprise how effectively he’ll final over the course of a full season. Talking to the media after a minicamp follow on Tuesday, Rodgers mentioned his Achilles is feeling good.
“I imply, I’m 41, so my physique feels completely different than it did at 25,” Rodgers mentioned. “I really feel higher. I felt good final 12 months. I labored actually arduous. It was a troublesome couple of years, getting harm after which rehabbing for a 12 months to get again. However I really feel good.”
That Achilles damage was surprising, and it modified the way in which many considered Rodgers. He was doubted by many heading into the 2024 season, given his age and that damage.
To begin the 12 months, it seemed like these doubters is perhaps proper. After profitable two of their first three video games, the Jets went on a significant slide. That included a blowout loss in Pittsburgh in the direction of the center of the 12 months, through which Rodgers threw two interceptions to Beanie Bishop Jr. The Jets ended up being effectively out of playoff rivalry by the point the second half of the season rolled round.
Whereas these video games over the second half of the season didn’t imply something, Rodgers did look significantly better. Over the past six weeks of the season, Rodgers threw for over 250 yards 4 occasions. He additionally tossed 11 touchdowns and simply 4 interceptions throughout that point. These numbers aren’t elite, however they present that as Rodgers received extra comfy on that Achilles, his total play began to enhance.
If he feels extra comfy, that’s nice information for the Steelers. For what it’s value, the Steelers themselves appear happy with the form he’s in as he joins the workforce.
Regardless of taking a lot of the offseason to resolve on his future and cope with private issues in his personal life, he’s remaining in form. Now, he’ll have two extra days of necessary minicamp, in addition to the remainder of the offseason to proceed to get in form and work together with his new teammates. As he says himself, he’s 41, and his physique is now not the identical because it was once. Though he wasn’t the healthiest he’s ever been final 12 months, he did handle to play a full 17-game schedule. Now, with Rodgers one other offseason faraway from the Achilles damage, the Steelers can be hoping for a similar in 2025.
