The Steelers didn't bring Aaron Rodgers here to be a quarterback coach. They signed the future Hall of Famer because they believe he gives them their best chance to win right now.
But one of the added benefits of having Rodgers in the building has been his willingness to mentor the team's young quarterbacks.
Last season, Rodgers quickly took rookie Will Howard under his wing, offering advice during meetings, practices and film sessions throughout Howard's challenging first year in the NFL. Through OTAs and mandatory minicamp this spring, third-round pick Drew Allar has already experienced much of the same.
The rookie quarterback said Rodgers has become a valuable resource as he navigates the 2026 version of Mike McCarthy's quarterback school and adjusts to life in the NFL.
"Aaron's been a huge help to not only me but the whole room, but with me specifically," Allar said during the final week of OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "He's pulled me aside during practice to talk through some drill work or things to focus on throughout different drills. And in the film room, just pulling or asking me questions of what I was seeing, what I was looking at and why. He's given me a lot of knowledge, so I'm really excited to keep learning from him. Obviously, he's one of the best to ever do it in this game, so the opportunity I have is one I'm not going to take for granted. I just learn from him and everybody in that room."
For Allar, those lessons extend beyond simply learning the Steelers' offense. McCarthy's quarterback school places a heavy emphasis on fundamentals, defensive recognition and mechanics. For Allar, much of that focus has been on improving his footwork.
Rodgers' career provides a unique example for young quarterbacks, as he famously refined his mechanics early in his career before becoming one of the most accomplished passers in NFL history. And Allar has been able to study that process firsthand.
"I mean it was pretty solid," Allar said. "It's definitely different because he went through his own transition with his own mechanics. To see where he's at now in, what is it, Year 22, it's crazy to see his growth and how much better he's gotten every year. Even every practice he's gotten better. You can just see what makes him who he is, the way he approaches the game and approaches each rep."
Rodgers' arrival was always about helping the Steelers compete in 2025, and now a second attempt in 2026. But much like his impact on Howard a year ago, his presence is also aiding in the development of younger quarterbacks, which is paramount for this franchise.
For Allar, this season should be about soaking in everything he can from Rodgers. He's very much a project, but with the tools at his disposal -- including elite size and special arm talent -- Allar has a chance to develop into something special. And it certainly helps to learn from one of the best to ever do it.
THE ASYLUM
Rodgers a 'huge help' in Allar's development
The Steelers didn't bring Aaron Rodgers here to be a quarterback coach. They signed the future Hall of Famer because they believe he gives them their best chance to win right now.
But one of the added benefits of having Rodgers in the building has been his willingness to mentor the team's young quarterbacks.
Last season, Rodgers quickly took rookie Will Howard under his wing, offering advice during meetings, practices and film sessions throughout Howard's challenging first year in the NFL. Through OTAs and mandatory minicamp this spring, third-round pick Drew Allar has already experienced much of the same.
The rookie quarterback said Rodgers has become a valuable resource as he navigates the 2026 version of Mike McCarthy's quarterback school and adjusts to life in the NFL.
"Aaron's been a huge help to not only me but the whole room, but with me specifically," Allar said during the final week of OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "He's pulled me aside during practice to talk through some drill work or things to focus on throughout different drills. And in the film room, just pulling or asking me questions of what I was seeing, what I was looking at and why. He's given me a lot of knowledge, so I'm really excited to keep learning from him. Obviously, he's one of the best to ever do it in this game, so the opportunity I have is one I'm not going to take for granted. I just learn from him and everybody in that room."
For Allar, those lessons extend beyond simply learning the Steelers' offense. McCarthy's quarterback school places a heavy emphasis on fundamentals, defensive recognition and mechanics. For Allar, much of that focus has been on improving his footwork.
Rodgers' career provides a unique example for young quarterbacks, as he famously refined his mechanics early in his career before becoming one of the most accomplished passers in NFL history. And Allar has been able to study that process firsthand.
"I mean it was pretty solid," Allar said. "It's definitely different because he went through his own transition with his own mechanics. To see where he's at now in, what is it, Year 22, it's crazy to see his growth and how much better he's gotten every year. Even every practice he's gotten better. You can just see what makes him who he is, the way he approaches the game and approaches each rep."
Rodgers' arrival was always about helping the Steelers compete in 2025, and now a second attempt in 2026. But much like his impact on Howard a year ago, his presence is also aiding in the development of younger quarterbacks, which is paramount for this franchise.
For Allar, this season should be about soaking in everything he can from Rodgers. He's very much a project, but with the tools at his disposal -- including elite size and special arm talent -- Allar has a chance to develop into something special. And it certainly helps to learn from one of the best to ever do it.
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