The nimble, fast-healing 30-year-old Aaron Rodgers is no longer there. As a 41-year-old starting his 20th—and potentially last—NFL season, his body needs much more care, relaxation, and assistance. His recovery takes longer, his mobility has decreased, and he now mostly depends on pocket protection to function. The Steelers, who signed him knowing full well these facts, have handled his workload cautiously and realistically thus far.
When Rodgers returned to The Pat McAfee Show, the crew asked him how he was coping with the mental and physical strain of training camp.
What does Rodgers and the offense typically do during a practice day at the Steelers? It’s intense.
“The body feels great. We just got two days off. That never happens. We had a day off, and then we had a rainout yesterday. I feel great. It’s hot out here. It’s going to be Gruden Grinder today out there. We start every practice with what we call seven shots. It’s seven plays from 4th & 2 from two. That period is live as is the team run.”
The regular season grind will be more taxing, and one of the year’s major plot points will be Aaron Rodgers’ physical condition. Less than two years have passed since he tore his Achilles, and at 41, getting back to his best is no small task. In all honesty, it has been over four seasons since he last performed at a high level.
