Netflix’s “Quarterback” Exposes What Steelers Still Lack at QB Post-Roethlisberger
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 NFL season with yet another new face under center—making it five straight years with a different starting quarterback. This time, the franchise is placing its hopes on aging veteran Aaron Rodgers for a one-year playoff push. But while Rodgers may offer short-term excitement, a deeper problem lingers in Pittsburgh, and it’s one that Netflix’s Quarterback documentary subtly—but clearly—exposes.
A Mirror into Stability: Goff, Burrow, and Cousins
Season 2 of Quarterback features an intimate look at three NFL signal-callers: Jared Goff (Lions), Joe Burrow (Bengals), and Kirk Cousins (now with the Falcons). The show captures more than just highlights—it digs into leadership, preparation, mental toughness, and connection with teammates.
For Steelers fans watching, it’s bittersweet. Joe Burrow, a rival in the AFC North, becomes oddly likable. His poise, work ethic, and the trust he inspires in Cincinnati’s locker room offer insight into why the Bengals are now perennial contenders.
Similarly, Jared Goff’s transformation of the Detroit Lions into a rising powerhouse is a testament to what having a steady and respected leader can do for a franchise. Even Kirk Cousins, despite injury setbacks and a new role in Atlanta, displays the kind of professionalism and consistency that Pittsburgh desperately lacks.
The Steelers’ Quarterback Carousel
Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement after the 2021 season, the Steelers have been in quarterback purgatory. From stopgap solutions to developmental gambles, none have proven to be the long-term answer. Now, Aaron Rodgers—though legendary—feels more like a temporary band-aid than a future foundation.
Despite his talent, Rodgers is nearing 42 and offers no promise beyond this season. Even if he delivers a playoff win (the team’s first since 2016), it would be a fleeting triumph. Pittsburgh will find itself right back at square one in 2026, without a clear successor.
A Glaring Gap in Leadership and Identity
What Quarterback drives home is what the Steelers have truly lacked: not just talent, but heart, leadership, and identity. Roethlisberger gave the franchise two decades of consistency and a strong locker room presence. His successors, regardless of their skills, haven’t filled that void.
This gap isn’t about arm strength or mobility—it’s about charisma, mental toughness, and the ability to rally a team. Burrow, Goff, and Cousins each showcase these traits in their own way, and it’s no coincidence their teams are trending upward.
Final Thoughts
The Netflix documentary doesn’t explicitly call out the Steelers, but the contrast is undeniable. It’s a cinematic reminder of what a franchise quarterback truly means—not just on the field, but in the locker room and the city.
Until the Pittsburgh Steelers find someone who brings stability, inspiration, and long-term potential to the quarterback position, they’ll remain a team in transition. And that’s a truth no documentary can hide.
