Retirement was floated as an option for much of the 2025 offseason in Aaron Rodgers‘ case. The future Hall of Famer will suit up for the Steelers this year, but it would come as a surprise if he did so in Pittsburgh or anywhere else after that. 
During his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said he is “pretty sure” 2025 will be his final NFL season (video link). At the age of 41, he expectedly took a one-year pact earlier this month to take over starting duties with the Steelers. Today’s remarks all-but confirm the third chapter of his career will be a one-and-done endeavor.
“It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it,” Rodgers added. “What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?”
2025 will mark Rodgers’ 21st season in the NFL and his 18th as a starting quarterback. A four-time MVP during his Packers tenure, things did not go according to plan upon being traded to the Jets. Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear four snaps into his New York debut, and a comeback attempt proved unnecessary with the team out of postseason contention in December. 2024 brought about a full slate of games, although he struggled with a number of ailments while only managing a partial return to his previous form.
Not long after the replacements for the Robert Saleh-Joe Douglas regime arrived, the decision was made to proceed with a Rodgers release. Conversations between team and player on that front did not result in an amicable parting of ways, but if left Rodgers free to contemplate his next opportunity. The Super Bowl winner spoke with the Giants and Vikings while also giving thought to ending his career. In the end, though, connections with the Steelers resulted in a visit and a long-running expectation a deal would be worked out. Pittsburgh remained patient, waiting until after the draft concluded and OTAs took place to finalize his pact.
As a result, Rodgers will become the Steelers’ seventh different signal-caller to start a game since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The team’s efforts to find a genuine successor have not yielded much in the way of success, and the Rodgers investment is of course a short-term bid to elevate Pittsburgh’s ceiling on offense. Even if this latest move works out well, a new long-term investment will be needed at the position next spring.
The Steelers reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency, but he was informed at the time a starting-caliber addition was still being sought out. With no agreement being reached to keep 2024 passers Justin Fields or Russell Wilson in the fold, an outside addition proved necessary. Other veterans – such as Matthew Stafford – were higher on Pittsburgh’s priority list, but as expected he worked out a new Rams arrangement. Rodgers thus represented one of the preferable options regarding a one-year experiment.
The 10-time Pro Bowler is now three years removed from his most recent MVP campaign, and mobility will be an obvious area of concern for his debut Pittsburgh season. A healthy run of games could provide the Steelers with the chance to end their drought regarding playoff wins, though. Regardless of how things play out, a retirement announcement following the 2025 season is even likelier now than it already was.
Who cares
Cared enough to comment
That’s always been a lame reply. Be better Andy.
My god are you his PR team? No need for six stories a day on him just to get clicks. No one is reading these items so move on. Sad.
The Rodgers hate is so forced lol. Its the offseason and not much is happening. Try to at least enjoy your day man
You clicked. A-Rod is the GOAT. Nothing about this article is click bait. It literally is a report on an interview he just had about retirement. You don’t know what click bait is apparently. You’re an idiot.
Banished Words List! BANISHED WORDS LIST!
Should’ve retired a Packer
I wouldn’t be surprised if he does the 1-day contract to retire as a Packer.
Should make him retire as a Jet.
Steelers => Why even BOTHER with this guy ??
They know more about football than you or I do?
Do they? Most everyone thought Kenny Pickett was not a 1st round talent. Seems everyone was right but the Steelers
Rodgers was just using the NFL as a launch pad for a career in flag football anyway 🙂