Many Pittsburgh Steelers fans aren’t taking the news of Aaron Rodgers signing well. The performative outrage includes jersey burnings, which is easily one of the most bizarre practices in fandom.
Cam Heyward responded to a jersey-burning video on Friday, saying the practice itself is “bonkers” and that those who do it, “You are going to regret it!!”
Thoughts
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) June 6, 2025
First off why Minkah’s jersey? That’s bonkers
Second
Why burn when there plenty people that need clothes?
Third
You are going to regret it!!
I own a handful of jerseys, and it took a lot of luck, time, and money to fill that tiny collection. I can’t imagine parting with them. Those things aren’t cheap.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans can be upset, but destroying jerseys helps no one
But performative outrage is just that - performative. It’s understandable to be upset over the Steelers’ decision at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is a polarizing figure, and many Steelers fans dislike the way he speaks in media circles, while others think he’s past his prime as a professional athlete. But that online video of burning a jersey doesn’t do anything for anybody. It’s not a sensible protest.
Now, I’m not here to tell people to grow up and get off the internet for five minutes, but Heyward is right. It’s okay to be optimistic or pessimistic about this situation and react accordingly online, but what is that guy going to think when Minkah Fitzpatrick makes a big play this year?
Even better, what if this whole Rodgers thing works out? If Rodgers looks like the guy from 2021 and before, not to say that is likely, the jersey burners will be right next to us on the couch or at the bar stool cheering him on.
I’ve been critical of the move, too, and not just because it’s my job to be. The NFL is an entertainment product, and just like any other show that comes across your screen, sometimes you aren’t going to like what happens to your favorite characters.
READ MORE: This old Aaron Rodgers video hits different after his Steelers decision
There isn’t a small population of this fan base who wanted the Steelers to tank this season, and some jersey burners are likely to be a part of that group. Those fans are entitled to their opinion on how things should be done, but the reality is that none of us gets any say in how the Steelers operate.
So, color me shocked when the team does its best to field the strongest team it can instead of rocking with the journeyman backup or the sixth-round rookie quarterback I saw you pining for in the comment sections.
But hey, if you’re really so upset about Rodgers’ signing with Pittsburgh that you don’t want a jersey anymore, at least part with some advice from one of the greatest Steelers in team history and donate it. If your local thrift store won’t take it, Jerseys of Hope will, and some kid who is dealing with real problems, whose passion luckily hasn’t been ruined by the internet yet, can enjoy it.