Aaron Rodgers, the legendary quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has confirmed during an interview on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ that he intends to retire after this season, marking the end of his 20-year NFL career. The four-time NFL MVP signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in June, and he explained that the decision was based on his love for the game and the opportunity to play for a storied franchise. Rodgers, who previously played for the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets, shared that his motivation to return to the Steelers was rooted in his passion for the sport rather than a desire to prove himself. He emphasized the importance of ending his career with the team that represents the pinnacle of his NFL journey.
Rodgers, now 41, stated he is ‘pretty sure’ this will be his final season with the Steelers, highlighting that the one-year deal was a way to wrap up his career on his terms. The veteran quarterback, who has won numerous accolades throughout his career, said the decision was not driven by a need to retire after a disappointing two-year stint with the Jets but by his enduring love for football. He expressed that playing for the Steelers in his final season is a dream come true, as the team has a storied history and is one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.
Rodgers also discussed his relationship with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, whom he has worked with closely throughout his free agency process. He noted that the conversations were ‘really meaningful’ to him, underscoring his commitment to the team. The former Packers star emphasized that he does not feel the need to prove anything to others or live in the public eye after his playing days. Instead, he plans to retire from the spotlight, referring to himself as ‘Keyser Söze’ – a nod to the elusive character from the film ‘The Usual Suspects,’ symbolizing his intention to disappear from the public eye after retiring.
The Steelers are hopeful that Rodgers can lead them to a deep playoff run and potentially bring a Super Bowl back to Pittsburgh, as the team has aspirations to return to the pinnacle of the NFL. Last season, the Steelers had a 10-7 record with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as their starting quarterbacks, but both players left for free agency. Rodgers’ potential impact on the team is seen as a crucial factor in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.