One year ago, Terry Bradshaw thought Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers was ludicrous. He said Rodgers should “chew on bark” and go home to California. Fast forward to today, and Bradshaw has changed his tune. Or he’s joined Rodgers in the bark-chewing.

Joining 103.7 The Buzz in Chicago, the same station Bradshaw made his famous comments last offseason, Bradshaw praised what Rodgers brought.

“First of all, Aaron Rodgers is perfect for Pittsburgh,” he told the show. “And I know I’ve said opposite. So now I’m saying the other. Because I thought this year, he played really well with a bad offensive line. That’s just a bad offensive line.”

Rodgers exceeded most expectations in 2025. With some, like Bradshaw, projected an unmitigated disaster of a 41-year-old quarterback who might create distractions every step of the way, Rodgers hardly made media waves and had his best season in years. While most of his game focused on short passes and underneath throws, he effectively led Pittsburgh’s offense and posted the best numbers of any quarterback of the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.

He finished the year with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Rodgers’ 6.3 ANY/A was his strongest since his 2021 MVP season with the Green Bay Packers.

Last May, Bradshaw mocked the notion of Rodgers joining the Steelers.

“That guy needs to stay in California,” Bradshaw said at the time, questioning if the idea was a “joke.” “Go somewhere and chew on bark. Whisper to the gods out there.”

Rodgers took the high road in his response.

Bradshaw admitting his mistaken comment is commendable. The only part to take issue with is Pittsburgh’s “bad offensive line.” The young group experienced early-season growing pains and Rodgers’ quick release was o-line friendly, but the group took a big step forward. Zach Frazier is a stud center, Troy Fautanu shined in his first full year, and Mason McCormick settled in at right guard. The left side features more questions, but Dylan Cook’s emergence is a big positive.

In an encore performance, Bradshaw thinks Rodgers could perform even better.

“And finally they got rid of [Arthur Smith], and finally they’re gonna have an offensive mind in there,” he said. “I think if Rodgers would come back this year, it would be perfect.”

Pittsburgh replaced Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy, with Arthur Smith exiting to take the Ohio State coordinator job. Those changes could create a stronger and more receiver-centric passing game that meshes best with Rodgers. Bringing him back for 2026 remains a bridge, a reality Bradshaw acknowledged, but it would be the best short-term decision.

The first step is Rodgers deciding if he wants to play. Bradshaw hears that’s going to happen. If so, the Steelers will aim to put better pieces around him in the hopes Rodgers and McCarthy’s reunion produces increased returns.