'Aura around him is gone': Aaron Rodgers slammed for acting above the game after strange workout
As Aaron Rodgers steps into his 21st NFL season, the stakes could not be higher. At 41, he joins the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal that may mark the final chapter of his storied career.
But with the franchise under intense pressure—especially head coach Mike Tomlin amid a six-game playoff skid—the spotlight on Rodgers has never been brighter. The four-time MVP is expected to revive the Steelers' postseason hopes and lead one last run at a championship.
Joe Thomas doubts Aaron Rodgers' magic still exists
Despite Rodgers' decorated resume, not everyone believes he's the answer Pittsburgh needs. Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas has openly questioned whether Rodgers can still command a locker room or play at a Super Bowl level, especially after a disappointing stint with the Jets marred by an Achilles tear and a five-win season in 2024.
"There's not many quarterbacks that have had a bad year coming off injury, as they get really old, and their third or fourth teams, that have found really great success," Thomas told Andrew Siciliano on The Rich Eisen Show.
Joe Thomas Talks Browns' QBs, Rodgers & Steelers, Colts, More | Full Interview | The Rich Eisen Show
Having spent his entire 11-year career with the Browns, Thomas also admitted to rooting against the Steelers due to his loyalty to Cleveland. Yet his skepticism runs deeper than rivalry. Thomas believes Rodgers no longer carries the same influence he once did.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
"I think that aura around him is kinda gone at this point," Thomas noted. "He really needs to humble himself a little bit… until he does that, I think they're going to be a little lukewarm on his presence."
Steelers locker room believes Rodgers is all-in
While Thomas voices doubt, Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward sees a different side of the quarterback. He claims Rodgers has fully committed to the team, even earning the respect of teammates with his leadership and offseason engagement.
This includes private workouts with his new receiving group—featuring D.K. Metcalf, Scotty Miller, and Pat Freiermuth—and a viral training video where Rodgers was seen grinding alongside NBA stars in California.
Though Rodgers hasn't had a winning season since 2021, his personal stats haven't fallen off a cliff. Last year, he threw 28 touchdowns at a 63% completion rate—just shy of his career average—though his 11 interceptions raised concerns.
Still, Thomas remains intrigued, if not convinced: "So it will be really interesting to see what he does, and how he changes in little ways... and be the guy that can lead them to a Super Bowl."
With a final shot at glory and his legacy hanging in the balance, Aaron Rodgers' farewell tour could either cement his greatness—or confirm his decline.
Also Read:
Travis Kelce goes solo in LA as Taylor Swift faces family emergency without him
FAQs
1. Why did Aaron Rodgers join the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 NFL season?
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers to make a final push for a Super Bowl in what may be his last NFL season.
2. What concerns did Joe Thomas raise about Aaron Rodgers' impact in Pittsburgh?
Thomas questioned Rodgers' ability to lead and inspire the locker room, citing his age, recent injuries, and declining influence.
3. How has Aaron Rodgers prepared for the upcoming season with the Steelers?
Rodgers has been training rigorously with new teammates like D.K. Metcalf and appeared in offseason workouts to build chemistry.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
13 minutes ago
- News18
The Rise Of The 40+ Superstar: Why Athletes Are Aging Like Fine Wine
Last Updated: Modern athletes like Tom Brady, Ronaldo, and LeBron James thrive into their 40s, thanks to advances in nutrition, training, and recovery. In a world where 40 used to mean fading fame and farewell tours, modern athletes are flipping the script. Today, turning 40 no longer signals retirement—it's often just the next chapter in a glittering career. From football fields to boxing rings, tennis courts to running tracks, athletes are now staying fitter, faster, and sharper longer than ever before. So, what's behind this athletic age revolution? Let's break it down. Tom Brady: The Mythical Quarterback Tom Brady didn't just rewrite NFL history—he rewrote the biology books. Playing until 45, he led the league in yards and touchdowns in his 40s. He won a Super Bowl at 43 and was named MVP at 40. His secret? Precision nutrition, pliability-focused workouts, and a terrifyingly meticulous routine that turned avocado ice cream into a lifestyle. Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 in 2025 and is still scoring goals like it's 2010. Despite moving from Europe to the Middle East, his finishing, positioning, and fitness are unmatched. LeBron James: Still King LeBron James entered the NBA at 18. Now 40, he's still putting up more than 20 points a game and setting records no one saw coming. His performance spans four decades—teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s—thanks to year-round training, recovery technology, and basketball IQ at genius levels. Diana Taurasi: WNBA's Ageless Assassin At 42, Diana Taurasi became the oldest player to score 40 in a WNBA game. Her long career wasn't luck—it was laser-focused conditioning, smart game management, and competitive fire that never aged. Why Athletes Are Staying in the Game Longer: Science Behind Success: Modern training is more than just sweating it out in the gym—it's highly personalized, data-driven, and efficient. Wearables track heart rate variability, workload, and sleep quality. AI systems analyze performance and suggest real-time tweaks. Athletes over 40 are now using active recovery methods—yoga, low-intensity cycling, contrast baths—that reduce muscle recovery time by almost 30% compared to passive rest. And new research shows older athletes benefit from higher daily protein intake (about 1.6g/kg of body weight), especially within 30 minutes post-workout to maximize muscle repair. Smarter, Not Harder: Fast-twitch muscle fibers—those responsible for explosive power—decline with age. But athletes respond by adjusting their training and approach. Boxers fight fewer rounds. Footballers play deeper positions. Runners focus on pacing over pace. Bernard Hopkins, who won a boxing title at 46, didn't outpunch younger opponents—he outthought them. Cricket veterans like Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya used experience, placement, and patience to remain match-winners long after their youthful zip had faded. Tech to the Rescue: Athletes now benefit from tools their predecessors couldn't dream of: a.) Motion tracking to analyze biomechanics. b.) VR training to mimic game scenarios without taxing the body. c.) Cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric oxygen tanks, and compression gear for rapid recovery. Roger Federer, who played until 41, used all of it to prolong his glory days—alongside targeted rehab and light scheduling to protect his knees. Mental Fortitude is a Game-Changer: Athletes over 40 might lose half a step—but they gain ten times the mastery. Years of competition refine decision-making. Tennis players like Serena Williams understand when to attack or conserve energy. Marathoners like Meb Keflezighi (who made the U.S. Olympic team at 40) pace themselves perfectly in high-stress races. 'There's no substitute for knowing exactly what your body and mind can do," Keflezighi said. 'That comes only with age." What surprises many is that older athletes are thriving most in endurance events, where mental stamina and efficient pacing matter more than raw speed. Triathletes often peak in their late 30s and early 40s. Keflezighi's longevity came down to smart recovery, consistent sleep, and cross-training, proving aging bodies can outlast young ones if trained wisely. In cricket, roles evolve with age. Bowlers shift to variations over pace; batsmen pick better shots. Misbah-ul-Haq played 29 Tests after turning 40, leaning on calm under pressure and technique. Jayasuriya once became the oldest man to score an ODI century at nearly 40, guiding his innings through experience, not exertion. Even in 2024, players like Portugal's Pepe made headlines, playing in the Euros at 41—still mentally sharper than many opponents a decade younger. Show Me the (Recovery) Money There's a simple truth behind many long careers: big budgets. Top athletes spend millions annually on high-tech homes, private chefs, recovery labs, and on-demand physio teams. LeBron reportedly invests over $1 million each year on body care. But that investment creates returns—finals appearances, jersey sales, and global fanfare. Creating a New Narrative in Sports Gone are the days when athletes planned to retire at 33. The conversation has changed. Fans now expect their idols to stick around. Teams give older players custom schedules and lower minutes. In return? Championship wins and leadership no rookie can match. And younger players are learning from this. Instead of shooting stars, they plan long-term—building careers for the marathon, not just the sprint. Not every athlete will become a 40-year-old phenom. Genetics, injuries, and role constraints can limit longevity. But those willing to adapt their training, diet, and lifestyle have a fighting chance. We may never see another Brady or Serena, but the next wave—be it in baseball, hockey, MMA, or even esports—will be inspired by this generation of iron-willed champions. Forty Is Not the Finish Line Today, 40 is no longer the sportsperson's sunset. It's the start of the encore. With tennis greats serving aces, footballers still bagging braces, and NBA icons making triple-doubles, aging athletes are not surviving—they're thriving. top videos View all What was once rare is now revered. For sports fans, it means more time to cheer for our favorites. For athletes, it's a sign that greatness—real, record-smashing greatness—has no expiration date. So here's to the warriors of 40 and beyond. The best may still be yet to come. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cristiano ronaldo LeBron James Sports news tom brady Zlatan Ibhrahimovic view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 14:34 IST News sports The Rise Of The 40+ Superstar: Why Athletes Are Aging Like Fine Wine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
15 minutes ago
- India Today
45-year-old Venus Williams becomes second oldest to win WTA Tour level match
On Tuesday, July 22, 45-year-old Venus Williams became a part of history after defeating Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the Round of 32 at the Washington Open. The American legend became the second-oldest player ever to win a WTA tour-level match. Notably, Stearns is 22 years younger than Williams, who had already won four Grand Slam titles before Stearns was Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova remains the oldest player to achieve this feat, winning a tour-level match in 2004 at 45 years and 242 days. Williams secured her victory at 45 years and 34 win marked her first singles victory since the Cincinnati Masters in August 2023. She had been sidelined from singles play since the Miami Open in March 2024, following surgery to remove uterine moment Venus Williams won her first tour-level singles match since August 2023 #MubadalaCitiDCOpen Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 23, 2025'Praying for good health' On her return, Williams impressed with powerful groundstrokes and commanding serves. Speaking after the match, the veteran said she had worked hard in training despite battling self-doubt.'Each week that I was training, I was, like, 'Oh, my God, I don't know if I'm good enough yet.' And then there would be weeks where I would leap forward. And there would be two weeks where I was, like, 'Oh, God, it's not happening.' Even the week leading up, (I thought), 'Oh, my gosh, I need to improve so much more.' So it's all a head game,' Williams said after the match.'I'm just constantly praying for good health, so that way I could have an opportunity to play with good health. A lot of this for me is being able to come back and try to play at a level (and) to play healthy,' Williams on July 21, Williams made a brilliant return to the court after a 16-month break. Teaming up with fellow American Hailey Baptiste, she defeated Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 in the women's doubles Round of Williams faces a tough challenge in the singles Round of 16, where she will take on current World No. 24 and fifth seed Magdalena Frech of Poland.- EndsTrending Reel
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tennis: Jannik Sinner re-appoints former fitness coach, a year after doping ban
Italy's Jannik Sinner serves to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the men's singles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Joanna Chan) Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner has brought back Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach, nearly a year after dismissing him due to his involvement in a doping case that resulted in Sinner serving a three-month ban. The rehiring follows Sinner's recent removal of fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio from his team. "Umberto has played an important role in Jannik's development to date, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level," Sinner's team announced on Wednesday. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The doping case emerged when Sinner tested positive twice for trace amounts of an anabolic steroid, Clostebol, in March last year. The case wasn't revealed until August, shortly before his US Open victory. Initially, Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing based on his defense that he was accidentally exposed to the banned substance through a massage from his then-physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Ferrara had purchased a product in Italy and given it to Naldi for a cut on Naldi's finger, who then treated Sinner without wearing gloves. Poll Do you agree with Jannik Sinner's decision to rehire Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach? Yes, it's a good move. No, he should have chosen someone else. Following the incident, Sinner dismissed both Naldi and Ferrara. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Baratajaya: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Ferrara subsequently worked briefly with another Italian player, Matteo Berrettini. The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed Sinner's exoneration, leading to him accepting a three-month ban that concluded before the Italian Open in May this year. Sinner, fresh from his Wimbledon triumph this month, is scheduled to return to competition at the Cincinnati Open next month, where he will prepare to defend his U.S. Open title. The changes in Sinner's support team mark a significant shift in his professional setup as he continues his career at the highest level of tennis. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
