PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – They have won a Super Bowl together and were spotted on Thursday upset with each other. How Aaron Rodgers explained after practice Wednesday the passion he and Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy had on a play coming in from the sidelines where both were caught on camera yelling.
Rodgers said he didn’t want to touch a question about plays coming in late from the sideline. Rodgers said he and Mike McCarthy have talked this week and worked out any issue, real or perceived.
The follow-up question was phrased ‘if it was ironed out’?
“It’s always ironed out,” Rodgers said.
Asked by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor if that’s the normal way they communicate, Rodgers said ‘sometimes, yeah’. The follow up if it’s been effective?
“Yeah, we’ve had a lot of success together,” Rodgers said.
Asked then if that frustration can be channeled into being a positive instead of snowballing and making things worse?
“I think it is a positive,” Rodgers said. “Player-led teams are the best teams and I think anytime you're seeing the fire and the passion from all those guys, it's a good thing.”
Rodgers said they probably need even more player leadership. He added accountability is an important part of the game and they are all accountable to each other.
Steelers veteran Cam Heyward said what was caught on TV it’s not something to shy away from. The expectations are high and they hold themselves to a high standard. He’s not going to apologize for getting ‘feisty’ on the sidelines.
“With our group, we're able to have hard conversations anywhere,” Heyward said. “We don't have very sensitive guys on our team. We can be who we want to be and challenge each other and that's how it should be. Your brother should hold you accountable. When you're trying to reach something, trying to be, you know, the best in the world, it's up to your guys to be honest with each when it's uncomfortable.”
Heyward said what we saw with Rodgers and McCarthy or with TJ Watt yelling through a headset is just them being authentic. Heyward said it’s why they’ve been against being on the HBO behind-the-scenes show ‘Hard Knocks’ because he said what he players holding themselves accountable might be taken out of context.
There are no issues in the room according to Heyward, just guys upset they lost a fifth straight game in Cleveland.
What 2 team leaders said about being upset during game, accountability
What 2 team leaders said about being upset during game, accountability
