While the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the NFL Draft, which is taking place in the city of Pittsburgh, their starting quarterback from last season, Aaron Rodgers, was being honored in his hometown of Chico, California. After a strong high school career at Pleasant Valley High School, Rodgers made his way to Butte Community College before heading to the University of California-Berkeley.
As most fans know, he has become an NFL icon. It all started at Pleasant Valley High School, where he was a two-year starter for the Vikings (1997-1998). A multi-time record-holder, Rodgers was recently inducted into the Pleasant Valley High School Hall of Fame.
Before He Was a Pittsburgh Steeler, Aaron Rodgers Was a Pleasant Valley Viking
GettyAaron Rodgers has built long-lasting friendships and bonds with current and past teammates during his 21-year NFL career.
Here is what Rodgers had to say this week during his induction into the Pleasant Valley High School Hall of Fame:
“It’s good to be back in Chico. Thank you so much for having me back here…You never know what word or phrase or time or moment where you just spend some extra time with that kid that helped him. It doesn’t have to be to achieve their dreams or go on to play in the NFL. It’s just to change their life for the better, and that’s the opportunity you have as coaches and teachers and mentors in young kids’ lives…I want to be someone who a young kid in high school can go, ‘I can make it because he made it, and he was from Pleasant Valley. Thank you so much.”
Simply put, Rodgers is more than an NFL icon. He is a good person who never misses an opportunity to help others. Furthermore, he has never forgotten where he came from and is incredibly proud of his Northern California background. On the field, Rodgers is one of the greatest athletes on the planet. Off the field, he is a genuine humanitarian and someone who can be looked up to by many kids looking to make an impact in society.
Aaron Rodgers Could Still Return to the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyAaron Rodgers helped lead the Steelers to their first AFC North title in five years last season.
Again, while Rodgers is being honored in his hometown, the Steelers are preparing for the NFL Draft. As they sit with the 21st overall pick, could they really be interested in drafting a quarterback with that pick? It would be a little unique considering they could already have a potential deal with Rodgers in place, along with veteran Mason Rudolph and young Will Howard still on the roster.
The best thing for Pittsburgh would be to get Rodgers back for one more run. A four-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP, Rodgers is the only NFL quarterback in history to throw for 400+ passing touchdowns and post a passer rating of over 100. Last season, he recorded 25 total touchdowns, just seven interceptions, and a solid passer rating of 94.8.
Aaron Rodgers Earns Unique Honor Amidst Steelers Uncertainty