Jerome Bettis Backs Steelers' Choice to Re-Sign Aaron Rodgers for Championship Run
Jerome Bettis, the Hall of Fame running back, publicly supports the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to re-sign Aaron Rodgers for what he has confirmed will be his final NFL season in 2026. Bettis, who will compete against Rodgers at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship later this summer, emphasizes the Steelers' commitment to remaining competitive rather than rebuilding. Bettis stated, "The Steelers made a decision a while ago that they were not going to tank. They weren't going to be a team that was not competing for a championship every year." This reflects the team's strategy to maximize their chances of winning by keeping Rodgers instead of turning to young quarterbacks like Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or rookie Drew Allar. He believes that having Rodgers allows the younger quarterbacks to develop while still aiming for immediate success. Bettis remarked, "You would love to see the two young guys battle it out... because you owe it to that entire team to be competitive." Specifically, Bettis highlighted the importance of veteran players like Cam Heyward, the Steelers' longest-tenured player, stressing that the team owes it to him to field a competitive squad this season. Bettis praised the defense as a "proven" group capable of winning games. Reflecting on his own career, Bettis recalled the significance of his performance against the St. Louis Rams after they traded him, stating, "That was my opportunity, and I was proud of that moment." In addition to his support for the Steelers, Bettis shared his hopes for a successful performance at the upcoming golf championship, where he aims to improve on his previous finish. He also expressed pride in his charitable efforts that have raised over $8 million for various causes.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-26