Aaron Rodgers has never played for Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin before, but some of their previous interactions make it clear that there is already a healthy respect between the pair.
After Rodgers agreed to sign with the Steelers on Thursday, some old video resurfaced of Rodgers and Tomlin interacting during a 2021 game. Rodgers, then with the Green Bay Packers, moved to attempt his famous quick snap, which he has frequently used to catch defenses with too many men on the field in order to get a free play.
Tomlin, however, knew what Rodgers was up to, and managed to get a timeout before Rodgers could snap the ball. As the timeout was announced, Rodgers and Tomlin shared a knowing grin, and Tomlin even nodded at Rodgers.
Rodgers loves Tomlin. He can’t wait to play for him pic.twitter.com/3JxZnDvw1x
— Tone Digs (@ToneDigz) October 3, 2021
Rodgers and the Packers wound up winning that game 27-17, with Rodgers throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
This has actually happened on at least one other occasion. Tomlin gave Rodgers a similar reaction last season under nearly identical circumstances while Rodgers was with the New York Jets.
Tomlin is facing some heat in 2025 over the fact that he has not led the Steelers to a playoff win since the 2016 season. Rodgers has his critics as well, with many questioning whether he can still perform at a Super Bowl level. The two will try to address those doubts together, and it should help that the pair clearly has a strong respect for each other already.
