THE NEW STARTING QUARTERBACK. WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE OFF SEASON TO GIVE YOU THAT CONFIDENCE? WELL, AARON RODGERS TO START WITH AND I LIKE THE DRAFT WITH THE TWO BIG DEFENSIVE LINEMEN. WHAT IS YOUR CONFIDENCE LEVEL IN THE STEELERS HEADING INTO THE SEASON? I’M VERY CONFIDENT THIS YEAR A LOT BETTER THAN LAST YEAR. THAT’S HOW MOST FANS RESPONDED AROUND TOWN TODAY. THEY CHOPPED IT UP ABOUT THE UPCOMING SEASON AT HOMETOWN SPORTS ON THE SOUTH SIDE IN THE STRIP DISTRICT AND PEPYS ON THE NORTH SIDE. FANS SEEM TO HAVE A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN THE STEELERS DEFENSE, AND THEY EXPRESSED SOME MEASURE OF OPTIMISM IN AARON RODGERS AS THE NEW STARTING QUARTERBACK. BUT THEY REVEAL THAT THEY HAVE ONLY CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM BECAUSE OF RODGERS AGE. I DON’T KNOW. I’M AFRAID AARON RODGERS IS OLD. LIKE TO OLD RODGERS. IF HE MAKES IT PAST 2 OR 3 GAMES HE’S GOING TO STAY HEALTHY AND WE MIGHT HAVE A REALLY GOOD CHANCE FOR A GOOD SEASON. IT’S HARD TO SAY. I MEAN, OBVIOUSLY AARON RODGERS IS ONE OF THE TOP QUARTERBACKS OF ALL TIME, BUT HE’S NOW 41, AND STEELERS FANS GET TO SEE HOW IT ALL UNFOLDS AS THEIR SEASON KICKS OFF SUNDAY. COVERING ALLEGHENY COUNTY ON PITTSBURGH’
Steelers fans express cautious optimism about 2025 season ahead of kickoff Sunday
Updated: 7:15 PM EDT Sep 5, 2025
Steelers fans across several neighborhoods share new hope and optimism about the upcoming season as the team prepares for its first contest Sunday against the New York Jets.Much of that optimism centers around the defense, which is expected to be one of the best in the league.More optimism is focused on Aaron Rodgers, the new starting quarterback, with a Hall of Fame resume to his long career in the NFL.However, fans are only cautiously optimistic about Rodgers because of his age.”Obviously, Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of all time, but he’s 41,” said Frank Myer, owner of Hometowne Sports in the city’s South Side neighborhood.Who are the Steelers playing this year? Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 scheduleAcross two rivers in the North Side neighborhood, the owner of Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shoppe is hopeful.”Rodgers, if he makes it past two or three games and stay healthy, we might have a chance for a good season,” said Jeff Trebac.That same queasy feeling about Rodgers’ ability to stay healthy is also expressed by Tom Fitzmaurice.”I think he’s a major Band-Aid. I think he can do it, as long as he stays healthy,” Fitzmaurice said.
PITTSBURGH —
Steelers fans across several neighborhoods share new hope and optimism about the upcoming season as the team prepares for its first contest Sunday against the New York Jets.
Much of that optimism centers around the defense, which is expected to be one of the best in the league.
More optimism is focused on Aaron Rodgers, the new starting quarterback, with a Hall of Fame resume to his long career in the NFL.
However, fans are only cautiously optimistic about Rodgers because of his age.
“Obviously, Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of all time, but he’s 41,” said Frank Myer, owner of Hometowne Sports in the city’s South Side neighborhood.
Who are the Steelers playing this year? Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 schedule
Across two rivers in the North Side neighborhood, the owner of Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shoppe is hopeful.
“Rodgers, if he makes it past two or three games and stay healthy, we might have a chance for a good season,” said Jeff Trebac.
That same queasy feeling about Rodgers’ ability to stay healthy is also expressed by Tom Fitzmaurice.
“I think he’s a major Band-Aid. I think he can do it, as long as he stays healthy,” Fitzmaurice said.