On 'The Pat McAfee Show,' Rodgers emphatically defended the coach against mounting criticism around Pittsburgh: “Mike T is the man. Any hate, disrespect and the ilk is complete and utter bullshit,” he declared. “I was never talking to a head coach. … The surprise has been, just, what a great dude he is. What a great leader he is…”

LATROBE, Pa. — Aaron Rodgers has a well-documented suspicious streak, and at some point this past spring — during one of many conversations exploring a potential partnership — the four-time MVP wondered how Mike Tomlin’s recall could be so acutely accurate. Is he taking notes? Rodgers wondered.

The bond between Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers has been growing long before the Steelers QB officially signed on the dotted line.