Steelers' DK Metcalf excited to grow alongside Aaron Rodgers' 'cerebral' approach
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers' addition of seventh-year receiver DK Metcalf along with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers opens up opportunities for both players to work together in unique ways.
But for the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Pro Bowl receiver, working with a quarterback like Rodgers, with his 21 years of experience, gives him the opportunity to become a smarter player on and off the field.
"Just how cerebral he is," Metcalf said of how Rodgers impresses him Wednesday from Steelers minicamp practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I like the way he views the game from a receiver's standpoint but also from a quarterback's standpoint. I think I can gain a lot of knowledge just from being around him because he's seen a lot of football. So just trying to soak up as much information as I can."
The two met for a private throwing session in March, just a couple weeks after Metcalf was traded to the Steelers for a second-round pick on March 13.
"How quickly he releases the ball," Metcalf said of how Rodgers will help him. "With me getting off the line of scrimmage fast, I think that's one thing that stands out first. Also his playmaking ability when a play breaks down — he contorts his arm a different way just to get the ball out. I think he's unique, and I think it's going to help not only me but a lot of receivers and tight ends."
The meeting was Metcalf's idea because they were both in the region, and the two look forward to the opportunity to have more similar sessions before training camp opens July 23.
"I reached out to him just to see if he was in the area," Metcalf said of how the throwing session was set up. "I wanted to throw, and he was, and we got together. We're both based out of California, so we plan on getting together for another throwing session, watching film and talking ball."
"DK's been blowing me up for a while," Rodgers said Monday of Metcalf's private throwing session. "We got to get together out west. I've gone against him a number of times. He's big, athletic, fast, got great hands, ball skills. The thing that really excites me the most is his character. I think he's a high-character guy. I was teasing him the first conversation we had — he said, 'Yes, sir,' like 10 times. I said, 'Is that because I'm 41?' He said, 'No, that's just how I talk.' I like his whole personality and his approach and the way he is on the field, his professionalism."
That professionalism also showed in how Metcalf didn't press Rodgers during the private session about his decision in free agency. While rumors floated about the mutual interest between the free-agent quarterback and Metcalf's new team, the second-round pick out of Ole Miss in 2019 saw such a line of questioning as out of bounds.
"I never asked him directly if he was coming," Metcalf said. "Just trying to give him the space to make his own decision and not try to sway him one way or another. Just trying to get to know him as a person first and then a teammate second."
Metcalf noted Rodgers' professionalism also reminded him of his former quarterback with the Seahawks — and the Steelers' starting quarterback last season — Russell Wilson.
"I would say they're similar in how they approach the game," Metcalf said. "They're very professional and they hold people accountable in a team setting. But also they're going to work their butts off when they're out here. They're going to make you come up to their level of competitiveness when they're on the grass. That's what I like about them. They're two completely different people and quarterbacks with how they play the game of football."
Another aspect of Metcalf's character that receivers coach Zach Azzanni saw play out came from Metcalf's dedication to his craft. When asked about what details of Metcalf's game he appreciated the most, Azzanni expressed appreciation for how Metcalf approaches every part of his game, from catching the ball to running his routes and even blocking in the run game.
"I saw that throughout his career," Azzanni said Tuesday. "When you come here, you need to take it up a level. DK's only been here for one practice. But when we get the pads on when Latrobe comes, he'll feel that from everyone around him, and I'm sure it will raise him even more."
While Metcalf works to take his game up a level, he knows each day with Rodgers brings them closer as teammates. And that brings them closer to being a dangerous part of the Steelers offense for opponents when the season starts.
"Just a step closer to football," Metcalf said. "We're a step closer to solidifying the team and the product we're going to put out there on the field this season. Just excited to get to work. I know it's a first look in a team setting with Aaron, but I'm excited to see what type of teammate he is with everything he brings to the table."
