By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
In the National Football League, Mandatory Minicamp is a three-day offseason workout period where veteran players are required to attend, unlike voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Failure to attend without a valid reason will result in a fine for the player.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that meant their minicamp dates was June 10-12th at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. It also meant their first day of those mandatory practices was Tuesday.
“Had a really good and exciting day today,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “Very similar to the work we’ve done to this point in the offseason, but it’s another step, another step closer to a football-like environment. The days are a little bit longer not only in terms of us being in the building, but the length of practice. We’re at that stage where we get an opportunity to continue to work on our football conditioning and display it. Present some more challenging schematics in all three phases, and just really a little bit more formal work.”
From a competitive standpoint, it’s a fun environment, and we had a really good day. I look forward to us getting back out and doing similar things tomorrow.”
One player who was not in attendance was All-Pro LB TJ Watt, as he continues to seek a new contract. Watt is not expected to attend the remaining 2 days of minicamp.
“Certainly, we’d like him to be here, but certainly not surprised by where we are. We’ve expressed a desire to get the business done, he has as well, and so we’ll continue to work. We’ve been here before,” said Tomlin.
But the one person who was in attendance was QB Aaron Rodgers as he put on a Steelers uniform for the first time on Saturday since signing a 1-year, $13.65 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $19.5 million.
“I was dealing with a lot of things in my personal life and some things improved a little bit where I felt like I could fully be all in here with the guys,” Rodgers said. “I had great conversations with Mike throughout the entire process and Omar. It was good to get that done and get it behind us.”
When asked about his motivation for coming to Pittsburgh, Rodgers simply responded Coach Tomlin. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time,” Rodgers said “There’s a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of them for 18 years. This is another one of those. There’s something special about this area.”
“So many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh,” Rodgers continued. “I feel like Pittsburgh has been a part of my career from the beginning, playing for Mike McCarthy for 13 years, having Tom Clements, or Tommy Clements, depending how old you are, as my quarterback coach forever, Don Capers, Kevin Greene, Darren Perry, Derrick McAdoo, Frank Cignetti, Luke Getsy. I don’t want to forget anybody, but there have been a lot of Yinzers in my life.”
Rodgers joined the Steelers after 2 seasons with the NY Jets, following his career with the Green Bay Packers in which he won a Super Bowl 45 (vs. the Steelers) in the 2010 season and an NFL-record 4 NFL MVP’s.
“A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego — even if they turn out well — are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.” Said Rodgers.
Notes: Tomlin was asked what Aaron Rodgers brings to the Steelers and he said, “Read his resume. A football resume tells me what you’ve done. You sign a guy because of what you think he can do. Rodgers’ resume and present capabilities are two different things.”
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