The quarterback has been debating retirement for years, which first surfaced around his famed darkness retreat. He said at the time that he went into the darkness 90% retired, later electing to be traded to the New York Jets. After two rough years with the green-and-white, Rodgers was released by the team, clouding his future once more.
During an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Tuesday, Rodgers revealed this will likely be his final season.
‘I’m pretty sure this is it (my last season),’ Rodgers said on June 24. ‘That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I played 20 freaking years. It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?’
It was an ugly breakup with the Jets after last season, but following an offseason of uncertainty, Rodgers eventually inked a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to give it another shot in 2025.
The four-time NFL MVP made it a point that his final season isn’t about proving people wrong, but rather to celebrate his love of the game.
‘It’s not really, ‘can’t go out like this,” Rodgers said, noting that it’s more about his love for the game. ‘There’s been a beautiful relationship. This is my first love when I was six-years-old dreaming about playing quarterback and being in the Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl. I wanted to be all-in and I had so many other things going with my life that were taking my mind and my energy elsewhere. That’s why I appreciated how Mike (Tomlin) was the entire time.’
Rodgers has been on a quest for a second Super Bowl victory, something that has eluded him despite being one of the game’s best quarterbacks.
As someone that has demonstrated a magnetic ability to draw headlines, Rodgers wanted everyone to know that he has no interest in living a public life.
‘I didn’t need this,’ Rodgers said. ‘I didn’t need it at all. I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anybody or don’t have any chip on my shoulder that I need to hold onto. I don’t want the attention, I know that’s a narrative out there. When this is all done, you won’t see me. I won’t be in the public. I don’t want to live a public life.’
If he decides to walk away following the upcoming campaign, the 2026 season will mark the first time in over 21 years that an NFL sideline won’t feature Rodgers.
Rodgers’ career famously began with a draft day slide, falling to the Green Bay Packers with the 24th pick in the 2005 NFL draft.
The California product spent three years as the Cheeseheads’ backup to Brett Favre, before No. 4 departed for the Big Apple – ironically the same place Rodgers would leave for when his Packers career came to an end.
When the starting gig became his, Rodgers shined, leading Green Bay to a Super Bowl 45 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, also taking home the Super Bowl MVP award.
Rodgers captured his first of four league MVPs during that 2011 season, stockpiling countless accolades over the years. A four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, Rodgers is still on the hunt for one more triumph in his final season.
Playing in an era that featured other greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Rodgers’ success, from a team standpoint, was never able to stack up. In terms of individual success, the current Steelers’ quarterback stands amongst the best the league has ever seen.
Rodgers now has one more chance to author his final chapter in the way he wants. And as someone that has always beat to his own drum, the future Hall of Famer will do it in a way that only he can – by being himself.
Aaron Rodgers contract details
Rodgers inked a one-year deal worth $13.65 million with the Steelers. The contract comes with $10 million guaranteed and can reach a maximum value of $19.5 million.
Pittsburgh included $5.85 million in potential playing time and performance incentives, which Rodgers can hit if he remains healthy and effective.
According to Spotrac, here are the incentives tied to the deal:
Playoff berth: $500,000
Wild card win: $600,000
Divisional win: $750,000
Conference championship: $1 million
Super Bowl win: $1.5 million
League MVP: $1.5 million
Is Aaron Rodgers married?
Rodgers is married, which he confirmed on June 10 at Steelers’ minicamp. He has not revealed the identity of his wife, something the quarterback plans to keep that way.
Many have tried to figure out who Rodgers married, something that clearly irked him following the potential retirement announcement on Tuesday.
‘My private life is staying private,’ Rodgers said.