{
  "id": 434639,
  "title": "Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Shares Heartfelt Message for Ex-HC Mike Tomlin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/steelers-aaron-rodgers-shares-heartfelt-message-for-ex-hc-mike-tomlin",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T03:56:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/steelers-aaron-rodgers-shares-heartfelt-message-for-ex-hc-mike-tomlin-12302503"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Quadrant 1a9afa3e-0e0: Following a disappointing two-year tenure with the New York Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have been tempted to hang up his cleats and retire. However, Rodgers chose to return to the field for head coach Mike Tomlin last season, a decision that reveals the quarterback's deep respect and admiration for the former Steelers HC.\n\nTomlin's tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers spanned 19 seasons and included an impressive 193-14-2 record, 13 playoff appearances, eight division titles, three AFC Championship Game appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl championship. The Steelers have never had a losing season under Tomlin's guidance.\n\nDespite the success under Tomlin, Rodgers openly expressed his gratitude for the time he spent with the coach in 2025. \"I’m thankful for last year with coach Tomlin because he helped me get that love back, that deep love back for the game,\" Rodgers told SiriusXM NFL Radio. \"Tearing my Achilles, and going through a year of rehab, and just never feeling like myself — it just kind of beats you up a little bit. I didn’t want that to be my ending in the game I love so much.\"\n\nThe setback of his Achilles injury and the subsequent rehab had taken a toll on Rodgers. He feared that his love for the game might be forever diminished. However, being around the Steelers' players and coaching staff helped him rediscover that love and contentment, leading to his decision to retire. Nevertheless, Rodgers was intrigued by the prospect of a \"full-circle\" moment with coach Mike McCarthy, who had spent 13 seasons with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers.",
  "summary": "Aaron Rodgers, the NFL's all-time leading passer, has expressed his gratitude for his time spent under former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Despite a disappointing two-year stint with the New York Jets, Rodgers has nothing left to prove and his resume is already Hall of Fame-worthy. His decision to play last season under Tomlin, who he respects and holds in high regard, was driven by his desire to reignite his love for the game after a year of injury and rehab. Rodgers' connection with Tomlin dates back to their 13-season partnership with the Green Bay Packers, during which they combined for a 98-55-1 record, nine playoff wins, and a Super Bowl championship.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}