AARON Rodgers has made a big request for the Pittsburgh Steelers just weeks into signing a one-year deal with the team.
The 41-year-old NFL star is known for being demanding with a certain position group.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws a pass during mandatory minicamp earlier this month[/caption]
Rodgers is a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer thanks to his numerous accolades, which include four MVP awards.
Among the many reasons for his achievements is his ability to have cohesion with his wide receivers.
But to do that, Rodgers has high standards for his wideouts, and Steelers receivers coach Zach Azzanni welcomes the “challenge” of the 20-year veteran’s demands of his players.
“I love that challenge,” Azanni said, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
“I like that.
“I’d rather have someone that’s dialed into the detain in the perimeter, and those guys ultimately have to be on the same page.
“I understand that he’s hard on receivers, and I like that because I’m hard on receivers.”
Azzanni has some experience with Rodgers.
The 48-year-old was the receivers coach with the New York Jets during Rodgers’ first season in the Big Apple.
However, Azzanni only got to work with Rodgers during the offseason practices in 2023 before he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon just four snaps into the season.
Rodgers’ demands to his wide receiver group were shown last year as he called out former Jets wideout Mike Williams for running a poor route on a play that ended up being a game-ending interception against the Buffalo Bills.
Earlier this month, Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.6 million contract.
He made just one appearance at the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Last week, Rodgers announced that he is “pretty sure” that this will be his final season in the NFL.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it. That’s why we just did a one-year deal,” Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
“This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career I’ve had.
“I’ve played 20 frickin’ years, you know? It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it.
“What better place to finish it than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys.”
