Kaden Wetjen is still trying to wrap his head around the reality of being in a Steelers huddle with Aaron Rodgers.
A few months ago, the former Hawkeye was finishing up his college run by helping Iowa beat Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Then came senior showcases, the 2026 NFL Draft, and a selection that landed higher than plenty expected. Pittsburgh grabbed the Iowa speedster at No. 121 overall in the fourth round, and even now Wetjen says it still “doesn't feel real.”
That feeling showed up in one of his most relatable moments yet. After a charity golf event, Wetjen was asked about the “craziest” thing that has happened since joining the Steelers, and he answered with a line that sounded like something plenty of fans could say themselves.
"I used to play with Aaron Rodgers on Madden 10 on the Wii. Then I'm in the huddle with him, and I'm like, this doesn't feel real."
Kaden Wetjen talks about the craziest moment since joining the Steelers. @KCRG_Sports pic.twitter.com/Xia2yFMerw
- Collin Davies (@DaviesCollin) July 10, 2026
Wetjen clarified that he remembers using Rodgers in Madden 2010 on the Wii, and now he’s actually lining up with him in Pittsburgh. For a rookie still taking stock of everything around him, it’s the kind of moment that lands with a grin and a little disbelief.
Rodgers’ path back to the Steelers has been a winding one. His career took a major hit when he tore his Achilles in the first game of his first season with the New York Jets.
After two uninspiring seasons in New York, he moved on to Pittsburgh. Then, after one season with the Steelers, he was back on the market as a free agent before deciding to return late in free agency.
For Wetjen, that means a chance to learn from a quarterback with a long track record of putting players in position to succeed. The rookie is expected to do most of his damage on special teams, but he has also been working to earn a role on offense. If he can build a connection with Rodgers, it could open more doors for him on that side of the ball.
That would be a bonus for Pittsburgh, too. Last season, the offense leaned heavily on the run and had just one clear go-to target in DJ Metcalf. The Steelers are trying to change that this year, and Wetjen’s speed gives them another possible piece to use in certain packages.
He may not be near the top of the depth chart, but Wetjen is in a spot where every rep matters. With Rodgers likely entering what could be his last professional season, the rookie has a front-row seat and a chance to soak up as much as he can while it lasts.
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