dq. BREAKING: Tomlin Tips Rodgers for Week 12 Start Against Bears—Steelers President’s Response Has Fans in a Frenzy
A seismic shift has just hit the Steel City. What started as a subtle hint from Head Coach Mike Tomlin regarding the Week 12 lineup has exploded into full-blown hysteria following a mic-drop statement from the Steelers’ front office.
The atmosphere at the Acrisure Stadium facility is electric. As the NFL world turns its eyes toward the upcoming Week 12 slate, the narrative has been hijacked by one massive storyline: Aaron Rodgers looks set to make his debut as the Pittsburgh Steelers starter against his oldest rivals, the Chicago Bears.
The Tomlin Tip-Off
The frenzy began during Mike Tomlin’s midweek press conference. Known for playing his cards close to the vest, the Steelers’ head coach uncharacteristically tipped his hand when asked about the offensive game plan for Chicago. Tomlin alluded to needing a specific kind of “ownership” over the opponent—a clear nod to Rodgers’ history with the Bears.
“We are looking for a spark, and we need that veteran presence under center who understands the gravity of this specific matchup. Aaron has been surgical in practice all week. Let’s just say, he knows a thing or two about playing in Chicago.”
The comment immediately went viral, invoking memories of Rodgers’ infamous “I still own you” moment at Soldier Field.
The President’s Response: The Real Game-Changer
While Tomlin’s hint started the fire, it was Steelers President Art Rooney II who poured gasoline on it.
In a league where owners usually deflect roster questions back to the coaching staff, Rooney issued a statement that has the fanbase ready to run through a brick wall. Instead of preaching patience, he signaled that the franchise is in “win-now” mode.
“We didn’t bring a Hall of Fame talent to Pittsburgh to hold a clipboard. The standard is the standard, and the goal is the seventh Lombardi Trophy. If Mike believes this Sunday is the time to unleash him, then the entire organization is behind it. We are ready to see Aaron do what he does best.”
Why Steelers Nation is Erupting
Rooney’s response has sent excitement levels through the roof for three key reasons:
- The “Bears Slayer” Narrative: There is no quarterback in history who enjoys beating the Chicago Bears more than Aaron Rodgers. Fans love the poetic justice of his first start coming against a team he has tormented for over a decade.
- Organizational Unity: The definitive support from Art Rooney II shows that the front office and the coaching staff are in perfect lockstep. There is no hesitation—only a commitment to winning.
- Super Bowl Aspirations: By explicitly mentioning the “seventh Lombardi,” Rooney confirmed that this move isn’t just about one game; it’s about making a deep playoff run right now.
The Bottom Line
Week 12 between the Steelers and the Bears has transformed from a standard regular-season game into a must-watch event. With Tomlin’s tactical nod and Rooney’s emphatic endorsement, Aaron Rodgers is poised to take the field in Black and Gold.
The “owner” is back to face the Bears, but this time, he has the full force of the Steel Curtain behind him
