After recently calling a possible trip to a darkness retreat with Aaron Rodgers ‘c**p’, Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward has changed his tone, saying his comments were ‘misconstrued’.
The Steelers and Rodgers look to be nearing a deal that would bring the 41-year-old quarterback on board, as the options nearly dwindle for starting opportunities.
Heyward is one of the leaders of the Steelers, and his words matter at-large when it comes to team decisions, with his original comments being viewed as a direct shot at Rodgers.
Now, the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle has cleared up his comments.
‘It was misconstrued. I was asked a question, “Would you go to the lengths of going to a darkness retreat to recruit Aaron Rodgers.” I said, “I’m not doing that. The pitch is, if you want to be a Steeler, be a Steeler.” That’s all it was,’ Heyward said on NFL Network. ‘It wasn’t that I don’t like Aaron Rodgers or I’m against it.’
‘When I look at our team right now, it would be really cool to have a guy like Aaron Rodgers. But I can’t be the guy who gets it over the finish line. He’s got to make those decisions for himself. I’m excited to see what happens.’
Steelers star Cam Heyward has changed his tone on Aaron Rodgers joining the team soon
Heyward has played for the Steelers since entering the NFL in 2011 and is incredibly popular
The Steelers did not retain either starting quarterback from last season, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, who were signed by the Jets and Giants respectively.
Pittsburgh did make the postseason last year and have the roster to do so again in 2025. Yet, the biggest part of its team is not set.
While other free agents loom outside of Rodgers, and Pittsburgh could rely on a trade or the draft to find their next quarterback, many signs point to Rodgers.
Heyward’s shift in tone comes after his original comments from last week appeared to speak for the Steelers.
‘I ain’t doing that darkness retreat,’ Heyward said on March 18. ‘I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple.
‘That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.’
