One of the biggest storylines of the 2025 NFL season is the pairing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The future Hall of Famer joins a franchise that’s been star-crossed since the retirement of another Canton-bound passer, Ben Roethlisberger. Rodgers, now 41, hopes to squeeze one more year of magic from a career known for making pocket manipulation look like the Bolshoi Ballet.
PFSN’s Alex Kennedy caught up with legendary Steelers running back Jerome Bettis ahead of the American Century Championship, which Bettis is competing in from July 11-13 on NBC, Peacock, and Golf Channel.
What Does the Bus Think the Steelers Need To Do To Help Rodgers?
Jerome Bettis believes Aaron Rodgers’ success hinges on the Steelers’ offensive line.
“If this offensive line can protect Aaron Rodgers, then it gives them a chance to be a really, really, really good offense,” Bettis said.
The Steelers’ offensive line is young but unproven, entering the season ranked No. 21 overall by Pro Football Focus. Rookie center Zach Frazier may be their most exciting addition, while veteran guard Isaac Seumalo is coming off a Pro Bowl appearance in 2024.
“Hopefully running the football and with some play action behind it. I think it takes a lot of pressure off Aaron Rodgers to have to be a 30- or 40-pass-a-game guy,” Bettis said.
To that point, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a track record of adapting his scheme to suit his quarterback. Expect plenty of play-action, wide-zone, and duo run concepts with multiple tight end sets — ideal for a run-first approach.
“I think if you’re asking Aaron Rodgers, at 41 years old with the offensive line the way it is, to be a 40-pass-a-game quarterback, then I think we’re in for a lot of trouble,” Bettis said. “I think if you can protect him, run the football, ask him to throw 20 to 25 times, then you get the specialist that Aaron Rodgers can provide you as a quarterback.”
This appears to be the Steelers’ strategy. After trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a third-round pick, DK Metcalf becomes the clear No. 1 option in the passing game. Jaylen Warren is set to be the lead running back, and the team selected Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson in the third round (No. 83 overall). Johnson is a big-bodied, punishing runner who could eventually become the team’s bell cow, though that role isn’t guaranteed yet.
Regardless, Bettis isn’t wrong — he’s echoing what many analysts have said: it would be unwise to lean heavily on Rodgers to carry the offense at this stage of his career, even if he was doing just that as recently as three years ago.