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The Pittsburgh Steelers brought back Aaron Rodgers for one final season, but Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann cited Mike McCarthy as the main reason for Rodgers’ return.
Thiesmann, 76, said he doesn’t think Rodgers should return if he has to learn an entirely new system and playbook.
“I think Aaron coming back was a no-brainer for me because Mike McCarthy is there,” Theismann told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview.
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Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 4, 2026. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“If there had been another coordinator, I don’t think Aaron would have come back. If Mike was here, I (thought) it was 90-10 (he would come back).”
McCarthy and Rodgers spent 13 seasons together with the Green Bay Packers, and Theismann said their familiarity with Green Bay will make the transition easier.
“They’re always together as far as the system goes. Aaron doesn’t have to spend a lot of time understanding the terminology and understanding the OTA readouts. He could coach anyone as far as the system that I’m sure they’re going to use. So there’s a comfort level for him when he goes there. As far as not learning a new playbook,” Theismann said.
While Rodgers was effective last season, the four-time NFL MVP proved he still has some juice left in the tank. In 16 games, he completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers listens to head coach Mike McCarthy during NFL practice in Pittsburgh on May 20, 2026. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
Rodgers can certainly still throw the ball well, but at 42 years old, his mobility isn’t what it once was. Theismann explained how imperative it is for the offensive line to play well.
“He’ll quickly take the ball out of his hands,” Theismann said. “But they’re going to have to strengthen the offensive line and protect him. If they want Aaron Rodgers to be the Aaron Rodgers that they hope he can be, they’re going to have to give him a chance to be able to hold the ball and throw it downfield.”
Even though the Steelers will have a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades, Theismann still expects their brand of football to endure.
“Pittsburgh will always be Pittsburgh. I don’t think their mentality is going to change at all. They’re the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re a tough football team playing in a very tough division and it’s all about toughness in this division and Aaron has certainly shown how tough he can be,” Theismann said.
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Former NFL player Joe Theismann speaks with sportscaster Chris Collinsworth before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on November 2, 2025. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Theismann played in the NFL for 12 seasons, spending his entire career with the Washington Redskins. He was named league MVP in 1983 and made the Pro Bowl twice.
He led the Redskins to the Super Bowl in 1982, when they defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII. During his career, Theismann completed 56.7% of his passes for 25,206 yards with 160 touchdowns and 138 interceptions.
Theismann will compete in the American Century Championship July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
