Aaron Rodgers reports to Steelers practice after signing new contract
Aaron Rodgers has surprised his Pittsburgh Steelers team-mates by immediately joining voluntary organized team activities on Monday after signing a new one-year contract.
The 42-year-old quarterback agreed to terms on a deal worth up to $25m (£19.7m) just days prior to his arrival.
His early appearance marks a significant shift from last year, when the veteran delayed reporting to Pittsburgh until the eve of mandatory minicamp.
Early arrival shocks team-mates
Inside linebacker Payton Wilson admitted he was caught off guard upon seeing the decorated signal-caller at the team training facility.
I was walking in, and he was coming out, and it was good to see him. I was a little shocked, definitely.
The multi-time Most Valuable Player arrived shortly after 07:00 local time to complete his medical examination with head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah.
Following official confirmation of his signature, he took to the field alongside his new colleagues for the morning session.
Kicker Chris Boswell welcomed the early integration of the offensive leader.
For him to come back early right now and be around the guys, obviously one of his previous coaches, I mean, it’s only positive.
Building chemistry with new weapons
During the media viewing window, the seasoned American immediately assumed first-team repetitions during offensive installation drills.
He shared the quarterback rotation with Will Howard, Mason Rudolph and Drew Allar, completing five passes in his opening passing period.
His very first completion found newly acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr, who joined from the Indianapolis Colts earlier in free agency.
Even in the first day, he made a couple of great throws, and I was like, wow, I’m really playing with Aaron.
The receiver noted that adjusting to the exacting standards of the future Hall of Famer is a straightforward, albeit demanding, process.
He’s just a super vet quarterback, so he knows what he likes and what he doesn’t like. If you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do, he’s going to let you know, which is good.