This wasn’t the Steelers start Aaron Rodgers likely envisioned.
Pittsburgh’s new star quarterback was intercepted on his first throw Thursday at training camp in Latrobe, Pa., with linebacker Patrick Green picking off a pass intended for wide receiver DK Metcalf.
“It’s good to get that out the way,” Rodgers said, as covered by ESPN. “Anybody that’s watched me practice over the years, you like to try certain throws at certain times, and anybody that’s watched me in the games knows I’ve been pretty stellar taking care of the football over the years.”
Rodgers, who agreed to a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers in June after a lengthy saga, eventually connected with Metcalf during the 90-minute practice session, along with wideout Scotty Miller and tight end Darnell Washington, but did not toss any touchdowns, per the report.
“DK and I have worked out in the offseason together, got a good relationship,” the four-time league MVP said. “We talked about a lot of football stuff. We FaceTime, we texted during the offseason after many camps, so we’ve got a good relationship. It’s going to just keep on growing.”
Much like Rodgers, 41, Metcalf also arrived in Pittsburgh this offseason after a trade with the Seahawks, with whom he earned two Pro Bowl nods.
The Steelers subsequently signed the 27-year-old receiver to a five-year, $150 million contract extension.
Pittsburgh has been loading up this offseason as it looks to win its first playoff game since January 2017 and contend for a championship.
Just last month, the Steelers acquired Super Bowl-winning cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The team went 10-7 last season with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson under center.
Rodgers, coming off two unspectacular seasons with the Jets, has hinted this upcoming season will be his last.
“I’m pretty sure this is it, you know, that’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything,” he said in June on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
It’s been an offseason of change for Rodgers, who confirmed earlier this summer he’s been married for a “couple of months.”
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback was involved with a woman named Brittani as of December 2024.
The Steelers open the season on the road against Rodgers’ ex-Jets team on Sunday, Sept. 7.