The ink barely dried on Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers contract when something beautiful happened. The team headquarters turned into something special. Hours after signing, Rodgers rolled up to Mike Tomlin’s backyard cookout like he belonged there forever. Tomlin practically launched himself from his seat, sprinting down the driveway. The bro-hug that followed said everything about their instant chemistry. Rodgers didn’t show up empty-handed either. He brought a gift for his new coach, a pure class move. The genuine love between quarterback and coach felt electric. And now it’s Rodgers’ turn for payback.
Aaron Rodgers is notoriously private. He rarely does endorsements. So, this makes his latest move much more shocking. On Thursday, Rodgers wore a custom T-shirt. It wasn’t just any shirt; it was designed by Kiya Tomlin, the wife of Steelers’ HC. The Steelers’ official Instagram page shared the moment, “Carolina calling ,” hyping their upcoming game. Kiya herself reposted it to her Instagram story.
The shirt itself was very much in Rodgers’ style. It read, “Scared money don’t make money.” A man holding a $13.6 million deal can certainly say that. The real story wasn’t the slogan; it was the designer. Rodgers breaking his own rules for Kiya Tomlin speaks volumes. He is endorsing her brand—a rare favor he almost never does for anyone. Recently, he refused to give autographs to a fan, but this gesture seems to be a return favor to Coach Mike Tomlin. Just two months ago, Tomlin had invited Rodgers to a family barbecue. That personal invite clearly meant something. Rodgers is now reciprocating it in a very public way by supporting his wife’s fashion line.
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Kiya Tomlin, the wife of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, has broadened her fashion line to feature all 32 NFL teams. Her brand has a unique style that revolves around black and mustard yellow, which are the signature colors of the Steelers. That’s why the shirt that Rodgers won on Thursday highlighted the team’s signature yellow. Kiya’s Tomlin’s fashion brand is her passion project and she launched it back in 2014. “It has always been a pipe dream to have my own factory,” she once said.
Her brand is built on sustainability, countering fast fashion. She focuses on minimizing waste. The Steelers organization has quietly supported her efforts for years. Now, their new franchise QB is her biggest billboard. This is more than a business move; it reveals a deep, personal bond between the quarterback and the coach. When Aaron Rodgers decided to build a bond with Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ coach couldn’t wait to back him.
Mike Tomlin praises Aaron Rodgers for his game-changing leadership
Pittsburgh went nuclear this offseason. The Steelers landed Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey in one massive haul. They’re betting everything on a Super Bowl run, and Rodgers sits at the center of it all. Sure, the 41-year-old quarterback carries baggage from his Jets disaster in 2024. Critics question whether he’s washed up after that forgettable 5-12 season. But those same doubters ignore his 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions from last year. The numbers tell a different story than the narrative suggests.
Mike Tomlin praises Aaron Rodgers for his game-changing leadership
Pittsburgh went nuclear this offseason. The Steelers landed Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey in one massive haul. They’re betting everything on a Super Bowl run, and Rodgers sits at the center of it all. Sure, the 41-year-old quarterback carries baggage from his Jets disaster in 2024. Critics question whether he’s washed up after that forgettable 5-12 season. But those same doubters ignore his 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions from last year. The numbers tell a different story than the narrative suggests.
Mike Tomlin sees something special brewing already. The Steelers coach can’t stop raving about his new quarterback’s infectious energy. “He loves football,” Tomlin said, via Mike Jones of The Athletic. “That’s the thing that’s on the tip of my tongue. He displays it daily. He has a love affair with this game — one that he’s willing to share with others. He’s passionate about it, and I think it’s contagious.”
Tomlin’s observations matter because Pittsburgh desperately needs leadership. The franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since January 2017 despite five postseason appearances. Quarterback instability has repeatedly killed their championship dreams. Rodgers brings undeniable talent despite his recent struggles. His 2021 MVP season feels distant, and that Achilles injury derailed everything in 2023. But flashes of brilliance appeared throughout 2024. Pittsburgh’s winning culture since 2003 gives Rodgers his best chance for redemption. The Steelers provide stability that the Jets never offered. If Tomlin’s excitement proves accurate, this partnership could resurrect both legacies perfectly.