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Camaraderie, flexibility and the process

Jul 30, 2025 at 06:30 PM

Mike Prisuta

Steelers.com

LATROBE, Pa. _ The play was ultimately forgettable yet representative of who made it, how it came about and how much Aaron Rodgers is engaged in his 21st NFL training camp.

It was just another 11-on-11 period in the grand scheme of things. Rodgers dropped back to pass, sensed pressure from his left and flushed right to buy a little time. He quickly saw running back Even Hull unguarded in the right flat and the delivered a strike on the run. Hull caught it and rumbled down the sideline for a large chunk of yardage.

Rodgers' response was to turn toward the defense and extend his right arm in an exaggerated gesture that let everyone know a first down had been achieved.

"Once it stops being fun you should probably hang it up," Rodgers offered today. "I love that we're out here in Latrobe. I love the opportunity for true camaraderie at nighttime after meetings are done. Guys hang out, guys come into my room, last night I was in (outside linebacker Alex) Highsmith's room.

"It's pretty cool to see everybody hanging out the way they are and it's a lot of fun."

Rodgers is also enjoying the process of getting to know his options in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme.

"I like the flexibility," Rodgers continued. "Arthur's not rigid in what he's doing. He wants to tailor the scheme to the personnel that you have. And when you bring in a Kenny Gainwell (at running back), bring in a Jonnu Smith (at tight end), bring in DK Metcalf (at wide receiver) and myself, with some of the stuff I've done over the years, we're trying to find out what guys do best and implement that in the offense.

"I love that about Arthur so we're gonna keep doing that."

Rodgers and Metcalf were on the same page in today's decisive seventh rep of "Seven Shots."

The two hooked up on a play-action pass to the back corner of the end zone at cornerback Darius Slay's expense that won the drill for the offense, 4-3.

In instances of less certainty, and Rodgers acknowledged there have been a few of those in the early going at Saint Vincent College, he's leaning on second-year center Zach Frazier.

"Zach is a highly intelligent player," Rodgers emphasized. "And it helps because as much as I have a good feel for the offense I'm not what I would call an expert of the offense yet. I become an expert when you break the huddle and you can see the picture in your mind. And every now and then the picture's a little fuzzy still, so I'm still working some things out.

"But Zach is so freakin' smart, he's making some calls for me. I told him the other day, I said, 'Don't get used to that, at some point I'm going to be making the calls for you.' But he has a real good disposition for a center. He's obviously a talented player.

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Pittsburgh Steelers fans watch the Pat McAfee Show at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Wednesday July 30, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)