Why Peyton Manning Is ‘Excited’ About Aaron Rodgers Joining Steelers

Peyton Manning offers an optimistic blueprint of how Aaron Rodgers can wind down his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After 14 years with the Indianapolis Colts, Manning penned a storybook ending to his career with the Denver Broncos. The legendary quarterback added three more Pro Bowls and a fifth MVP award to his collection before winning the Super Bowl in his final season.

Rodgers joins the Steelers on what he admitted may be his swan song. Manning looked forward to his peer’s move to Pittsburgh during Monday’s appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“I’m excited for Aaron,” Manning said. “It’s a good opportunity,”

Manning said he spoke with Arthur Smith before the Steelers signed Rodgers, and he considered it a good sign that the offensive coordinator was enthused about possibly coaching the four-time MVP. The Hall of Famer doesn’t think Rodgers will have a hard time learning a new scheme and adjusting to new teammates.

“You can tell they’ve already had quite a bit of dialogue trying to get on the same page and make that system work for both of them,” Manning said of Rodgers and Smith. “Look, there’s no substitute for experience and what Aaron can do to help these receivers. You wouldn’t think that would take a lot of time for them to get on the same page.”

During his second season in Denver, Manning tossed 55 passing touchdowns for a Broncos offense that scored an NFL-record 606 points. He warned against expecting the same prolific numbers from Rodgers in Pittsburgh.

“I think the whole team needs to do their part as well,” Manning said. “The defense needs to be the Pittsburgh Steelers … You’re probably not expecting him to go out and score 40 (points) each week, but I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

Recalling his final act in Denver and Tom Brady winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Manning said a change of scenery can feel “invigorating.” He acknowledged that Rodgers didn’t have the same experience with the New York Jets, but the Steelers give the 41-year-old another chance.

“Hopefully this is a good chapter for him,” Manning said, “and (he) can finish strong if it is his last year.”

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