Entering his 22nd NFL season, Aaron Rodgers is the oldest active quarterback in the league, and his standards remain as unforgiving as ever. So demanding that even veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen admitted he felt like a rookie in Rodgers' presence.

“It’s the most stressed I’ve ever been in my entire career,” Thielen, who retired this year, said of his experience with Rodgers on SiriusXM. “I felt like I was a rookie again because you’re kind of like, ‘I don’t know what he’s gonna say, and I hope I know what he says, because if I don’t I’m gonna get my b*** chewed, and I’m probably never gonna get the ball. So I'd better lock in.’”

Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. At that time, he had more than 11 years of experience in the league, yet the mere presence of Rodgers rattled the wide receiver to his core.

Thielen, who retired in January, recalled on SiriusXM that Rodgers' presence on the field left no room for distractions, making the game his only focus.

“I'd better lock in every second of every day, or he’s gonna rip me apart,” Adam Thielen said on SiriusXM. “It’s a good thing; it’s why he’s had a lot of success. Because he demands so much out of everybody.”

Rodgers' presence alone can make the atmosphere on the field noticeably more tense, as he tolerates no shortcomings.

A four-time AP MVP, Rodgers is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. He ranks fourth all-time with 527 touchdown passes, fifth with 66,274 passing yards, and is an active leader in both those categories.

Adam Thielen further expressed that Rodgers doesn't believe in hierarchy. To him, the only thing that matters is how well you play.

“Everybody’s the same,” Thielen said. “Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, whether you’ve caught a million balls from him or zero.”

That said, this is not the first time the WR has talked about Rodgers.

Adam Thielen explains why Aaron Rodgers stands above the rest

In March, Thielen sat down with KFAN's Power Trip Morning Show, where he recalled the moment he played golf with Aaron Rodgers. That outing alone made him realize just how intense and motivated Rodgers was in a football setting.

“Is he talented? Yes, but you don't just get by and play that long and have that much success just by talent. His preparation was unbelievable, and he did it every day,” said Thielen.

Playing 22 seasons and consistently remaining among the NFL's top five quarterbacks is no small feat.

It takes relentless work. Thielen admitted that while Rodgers' work ethic amazed him, it was his approach to practice that left an even bigger impression.

“His work ethic was way beyond what I thought, and just like his intensity in practice. He treated practices, two-minute drill, like it was the Super Bowl. So that was cool to see,” said Thielen.

Given that, Aaron Rodgers' presence seems to have worked wonders for the Steelers, as they reached the playoffs last year. This year, too, their playoff hopes largely depend on Rodgers' performance.

Does Aaron Rodgers' intense coaching style bring out the best in his receivers, or is it too much pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore