Pittsburgh Steelers minicamp update for June 2025: Aaron Rodgers shines in his on-field debut as T.J. Watt's contract holdout creates team uncertainty.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It was a day of stark contrasts at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. As Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, officially began his on-field tenure in black and gold, another franchise pillar was conspicuously absent. T.J. Watt, the heart and soul of the defense, skipped the start of mandatory minicamp, creating a swirl of uncertainty around his contract situation and future in Pittsburgh.
When asked about T.J. Watt's future with the team, Coach Mike Tomlin's response was a terse, one-word masterclass in deflection: 'Here.'
For the first time, Steeler Nation got to see Aaron Rodgers slinging it in a Steelers helmet. The veteran quarterback showed no ill effects from the Achilles injury that sidelined him previously, looking sharp and mobile during drills. His presence was immediately felt, not just by the quality of his throws, but by his leadership. Reports from the facility highlighted Rodgers' intense work ethic, as he's already putting in significant hours to master the offense and build chemistry with his new weapons. It's the exact kind of commitment the team hoped for, and for now, the Rodgers era is off to a flying start.
While Rodgers' arrival brought excitement, T.J. Watt's absence brought anxiety. The former Defensive Player of the Year is in the midst of contract negotiations and is leveraging his importance by staying away from mandatory activities. Coach Mike Tomlin, in his typical fashion, refused to pour fuel on the fire. When pressed by reporters about Watt's future, his response was a blunt one-word reply, reportedly gesturing to the players on the field and saying, 'Here.' The message was clear: his focus is on the players who are present. Still, for fans, the thought of a prolonged holdout or a future without No. 90 is a terrifying prospect.
The day's news wasn't all about contracts and quarterbacks. The team suffered a significant blow when tight end Donald Parham Jr. went down with what was later confirmed to be a season-ending Achilles injury. Parham's season is over before it truly began, leaving a major hole in the tight end room. At 6-foot-8, he was expected to be a key red-zone target for Rodgers. Now, the front office may be forced to hit the trade market to find a suitable replacement, adding another layer of urgency to the preseason preparations.
Wednesday was a microcosm of the modern NFL: the thrill of a new superstar quarterback, the harsh reality of a contract dispute with a homegrown hero, and the brutal suddenness of a season-ending injury. As minicamp continues, all eyes will remain on two fronts: the development of the Rodgers-led offense and the negotiations happening behind closed doors with T.J. Watt. How the Steelers navigate these next few weeks could very well define their entire 2025 season.
