Exclusive: Michael Pittman Jr. talks Aaron Rodgers’ future, fresh start with Steelers

By D.J. Siddiqi

Michael Pittman Jr. knows what Aaron Rodgers brings to the table if he returns for another year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The veteran receiver is one of the newest additions to the Steelers with Pittsburgh acquiring the 28-year-old in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Shortly after he was acquired by the Steelers, Pittman Jr. signed a three-year, $59 million contract extension with Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are coming off of a division title in Rodgers' first season in Pittsburgh. Pittman Jr. -- like the rest of the team -- is awaiting the four-time MVP's decision on whether or not he'll return for his 22nd season.

"Absolutely, yes," Pittman Jr. told Casino.ca in a one-on-one interview when asked if he's spoken to Rodgers. "So I got to talk to him a couple of weeks ago, and to everybody's surprise, it was nothing about football. I didn't even ask him if he was thinking about coming back, because Aaron has done everything twice. He's seen it all. If he wants to come back, he's going to come back. I don't think there's anything that I can say to him where he's like, 'You know what? I think that I'll come back now.' That's just not going to happen."

Pittman Jr. said he's giving Rodgers his "space" as he contemplates his future. The four-time MVP had his best season since the 2021 campaign, posting 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions for a 94.8 passer rating.

If Rodgers does come back, he'll be reunited with his former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is the Steelers' new head coach and the pair won a Super Bowl together at the conclusion of the 2010 season.

"Just giving him his space and his time and and if he decides to come back, then that's great, we would love him back," said Pittman Jr. of Rodgers. "Obviously, I think he might be the current player who's done the most in the NFL. He's a four-time MVP. I think that his resume speaks for itself, and obviously there’s his long-standing history with coach McCarthy, so we'll see what happens."

Pittman Jr.: I have great respect for Rodgers’ accomplishments

Rodgers has the second-most MVPs in NFL history -- behind Peyton Manning's five -- and ranks first in career passer rating and interception rate and fourth in passing touchdowns and passing yards.

When asked what Rodgers' legacy will be whether he retires now or down the road, Pittman Jr. said it's the "competitor" that he is.

"Just knowing the great competitor that he was, just knowing his arm talent and his mind and his competitive fire," Pittman Jr. said. "Just know that he wants to win and every time he steps on the field. He believes that he is the best and it's his passion.

“You respect everything he's done and his passion to still come out knowing that he's won Super Bowls, he's been the MVP, he's done this and that, and he still wants to come back and play and win. It just speaks to the kind of competitor that he is."

Pittman Jr.: Steelers fans, staff have been extremely welcoming

After spending the past five seasons largely as the Colts' go-to receiver -- Pittman Jr. posted two 1,000-yard seasons -- he's looking to start a new chapter in Pittsburgh. The veteran receiver said it's been great adjusting to life in Pittsburgh and that the fan base has been welcoming.

Pittman Jr. said he found out that he was traded to the Steelers while he was in Uganda.

"It was a crazy journey to get to Pittsburgh so I could actually sign," Pittman Jr. said. "And then once I got there, just seeing the city for the first time, and the people there were so great. I actually had to go to the mall because I was coming from Africa, and I had no clothes to sign a contract. Obviously I had clothes, but nothing to go in and sign a contract with.

"I went to the mall and was able to just meet people around there," Pittman Jr. continued. "Everybody was great, and they were so helpful. And then fast forward, I get into the building two weeks ago with all of the guys and staff, and it's just been great. I mean, everybody's been so welcoming and been willing to reach out and just help me in any way possible. Honestly, it couldn't have gone better, and it's gone way better than I thought it could."

Pittman Jr.: Steelers’ offense must complement defense in 2026

While a big part of how far the Steelers will go this season depends upon whether or not Rodgers returns, they'll be looking to snap a seven-game playoff losing streak.

Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. They've lost five of those games by double digits.

When asked what it'll take for the Steelers to win a playoff game and make a deep postseason run, Pittman Jr. said it's about "togetherness" and playing "complementary football."

Pittsburgh struggled in that regard in their most recent playoff loss, a 30-6 thumping in which neither the offense or defense could get it going.

"It's going to take great togetherness," Pittman Jr. said. "We're going to have to play complementary football: offense and defense. It's all about execution and being able to execute in those tough moments and those bad weather games. Those fourth-and-ones. Those hard-to-get-third downs, just being able to dominate those situations. Two-minute-drills, stuff like that really makes the difference. Obviously, in training camp we'll work on all that. It’s going to be great."