Why Steelers Star Feels Aaron Rodgers Has ‘Bought In’ To Organization

Aaron Rodgers received a crucial seal of approval from a Pittsburgh Steelers leader.

Cameron Heyward has spent the past 14 seasons wreaking havoc on Pittsburgh’s defensive line. The All-Pro defensive tackle will watch Rodgers helm a new-look offense after signing a one-year deal late in the offseason.

Heyward showed no interest in recruiting Rodgers while the organization awaited a decision. Asked about his pitch to the MVP quarterback in March, Heyward said: “Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t.”

During Wednesday’s appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Heyward said he spoke to Rodgers and invited the 41-year-old to a barbecue for Steelers players and their families shortly before the quarterback signed. He got the sense that Rodgers was fully committed to playing for Pittsburgh.

“It just felt like he has bought in, and it worked out for the best,” Heyward said. “I know sometimes we live in a society where we want things now, but patience has a way of paying off. And to now see he’s a Pittsburgh Steeler and just him walking through the locker room asking questions (about) how we do things. He’s bought in, and that’s all I can ask for our quarterback. As a teammate, I’m excited to go to work with him.”

Rodgers will embark on his 21st (and potentially last) NFL season after two years with the New York Jets. The future Hall of Famer wasn’t the only big move for the Steelers, who also acquired DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey.

While Heyward agreed that the 2025 campaign has an “all-in” feel, the veteran pursues every season accordingly without knowing when his career will end. The 2011 first-round pick is happy to see his only NFL organization behave with Super Bowl aspirations.

“That’s what you want,” Heyward said. “You can have a team that’s trading everybody away and just trying to stockpile picks. That’s not the feeling I get here. We are trying to make a statement for this team and provide ourselves an opportunity to compete for a championship.”

More NFL: This Aspect Of Blockbuster Trade ‘Bummed’ Out Steelers Veteran