Aaron Rodgers has made an impression in Pittsburgh this season, not just with his play, but with the way he connects with his teammates every day. His genuine approach has made him easy to like and respect in the locker room.
That respect was on full display when veteran leaders Cam Heyward and Coach Mike Tomlin welcomed Rodgers into what they jokingly call their postgame “fraternity.” For years, Heyward and Tomlin—two of the Steelers’ long-standing cornerstones—were known for being the last two to leave the field after a game. That small ritual became a symbol of their leadership and commitment to the team.
Way back in September, Rodgers was immediately welcomed to join the tradition.
“After we got our first win in New York, Mike and I talked about it,” Heyward said. “He said, ‘Let’s bring this old man along with us.’ We wanted Aaron to get a sense of what it truly means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler—to know he’s not walking this journey alone.”
Heyward emphasized that leadership in Pittsburgh is a collective effort. “It’s not just one person carrying it. We have a group of guys who lead by example. Mike and I have been doing this for a long time. It’s something we hold each other accountable to, and it’s part of how we get things done as a team.”
Rodgers’ immediate inclusion into this postgame tradition speaks volumes about the trust and respect he’s earned from two of the franchise’s most respected figures. It’s more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a sign that Rodgers has become part of the Steelers’ culture, both on and off the field.