Aaron Rodgers admits DK Metcalf’s Steelers move influenced his decision to join Pittsburgh

Aaron Rodgers didn’t just land in Pittsburgh for the black and gold; DK Metcalf had a major hand in sealing the deal. Appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers revealed that Metcalf’s arrival in Steel City played a key role in his decision.

“DK is a lead-by-example guy, and he’s a big reason that I’m in Pittsburgh,” Rodgers said on Tuesday. “Conversations that we had ... already, this guy has discipline. This guy has a drive.”

Metcalf signed a five-year, $150 million deal after being traded by Seattle on March 9. He has been a model of consistency, posting at least 900 receiving yards every season since joining the league. In 2024, he logged 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns.

Rodgers was impressed not only with the numbers but with Metcalf’s grind.

“I didn’t really know DK. He said, ‘I work out at 6 a.m. every day.’ That told me all I needed,” Rodgers said.

With George Pickens shipped out, Pittsburgh needed a WR1. Metcalf fits the bill, and Rodgers is all in.

Ex-Steeler gets honest about Aaron Rodgers' Steelers era

Aaron Rodgers is the new face of the Steelers, but one former Pittsburgh star thinks the plan isn’t for him to be the superhero. Ex-Steelers safety Ryan Clark appeared on Tuesday’s episode of "ESPN’s Get Up," and said:

“They've built this team around a quarterback that doesn't have to be Superman.”

Clark believes coach Mike Tomlin is shaping a roster that leans on Rodgers’ experience, not his old MVP magic.

“I think that Aaron Rodgers is going to play well in Pittsburgh and I think the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be a playoff team,” Clark added. “He’s [Tomlin] not going to ask Aaron Rodgers to be all he ever was because he no longer is that.” [04:58]

The Steelers have been quarterback-hopping since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement — Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields — but none of them stuck. Rodgers could bring the change in this QB carousel.

Rodgers will have a solid supporting cast and a defense ready to make noise. Tomlin needs Rodgers to steer the ship, not sail it alone. The black-and-gold era for Rodgers is officially underway, and expectations are high.