JJ Watt Addresses Steelers Locker Room on Aaron Rodgers’ Reaction to Mike Tomlin’s Departure

JJ Watt and Aaron Rodgers.
Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty; Perry Knotts/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• JJ Watt criticized Pittsburgh Steelers players for leaking details from a locker room meeting regarding head coach Mike Tomlin’s departure.
• The former NFL star reshared a report from The Athletic that included insights from individuals present during the announcement.
• Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was notably emotional about the news, according to the same report.

J.J. Watt has taken a stand regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room dynamics amidst a significant team change. Following head coach Mike Tomlin’s announcement of his resignation on January 13, Watt called out players for disclosing sensitive details from the emotional meeting.

Watt, whose brother T.J. is a linebacker for the Steelers, shared insights from a story published by The Athletic on January 15. The article included interviews with several players and coaches who described their reactions to Tomlin’s decision.

“Feels like this moment could have stayed in the meeting room,” Watt remarked in his post on X.

Throwback photo of J.J. Watt playing for the Houston Texans.
Scott Halleran, Getty Images

The quotes shared by Watt also highlighted Aaron Rodgers’ emotional severity during the announcement. Inside the team meeting, Rodgers reportedly expressed his grief by saying, “I’m sorry,” a sentiment echoed by several players.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was described as “like a funeral” as players lined up to bid farewell to Tomlin, who had coached the Steelers for 19 seasons. Reports indicate that T.J. Watt repeatedly voiced his disbelief, stating “no,” while teammate Joey Porter Jr. appeared nearly overwhelmed, almost hyperventilating.

Aaron Rodgers #8 and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 7, 2025.
Mitchell Leff/Getty

Rodgers has long expressed admiration for Tomlin, referencing their first encounter during Super Bowl XLV in 2011 when his Green Bay Packers defeated the Steelers. Following a one-year contract with the Steelers, Rodgers emphasized Tomlin’s influence in his decision to join the team.

“I don’t need it for my ego,” Rodgers stated last June. “A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks during a press conference after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo

Recently, Rodgers abruptly left what could have been his final press conference, responding to questions about his relationship with Tomlin by expressing frustration. “I’ve talked extensively about how I feel about Mike,” he said on January 12. “And I just did in that f—in’ answer. Thanks.” He concluded his 21st NFL season as the Steelers lost to the Texans in the Wild Card playoff game, with a score of 30-6.