Aaron Rodgers isn't waiting for training camp to get his Steelers squad ready for what he's calling his "Last Rodeo." Roughly two weeks before the team even reports to Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the four-time MVP gathered a handful of his offensive teammates for an epic bonding trip, setting the tone for his 23rd and final NFL season. He wants this one to be memorable, and he's clearly kicking things off with a bang.
The 'Last Rodeo' Kicks Off Early
Rodgers dropped a photo that showed him with receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson, and our guy DK Metcalf. Quarterback Mason Rudolph and tight end Pat Freiermuth were also in on the action. The pic was snapped at an undisclosed location, described as somewhere "out West" with plenty of wide-open space. Is it a secret spot to work on routes? Maybe, but Rodgers captioned the image with "Last Rodeo" and the hashtag "#bondingweek," making the purpose crystal clear: these are the guys who will help him through his final campaign, and they're getting tight before the real grind begins. You gotta love that kind of leadership; not everyone is taking that extra step.A New (Old) Chapter For Rodgers And McCarthy
This isn't just a fun trip; it's part of a bigger plan. Rodgers is starting his second season with the Steelers after re-signing on a one-year, $25 million deal. The biggest news off the field might be his reunion with head coach Mike McCarthy, who’s taking over after Mike Tomlin's legendary 19-year run. These two know how to win; they spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay, bagging a Super Bowl championship and seeing Rodgers snag two MVP awards. During their time, Rodgers also put up seven seasons with 4,000 or more passing yards and six seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes. Last season, Rodgers threw for 3,332 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, completing 65.7% of his passes as the Steelers finished 10-7 to win the AFC North, before falling to the Houston Texans 30-6 in the wild-card playoffs. This season is about building on that division title and making a real run. The Steelers report for training camp in about two weeks, and you know these guys are going to hit the ground running after this "bonding week." Rodgers wants his final season to be memorable, and he's not messing around trying to make that happen. Can this crew take it further than last year's Wild Card exit? We're about to find out.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.