Aaron Rodgers has confirmed that the 2026 season will be the final one of his NFL career. The four-time MVP, who recently signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, made the announcement during a press conference in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Rodgers confirms retirement timeline
When asked by reporters if the upcoming campaign would be his last, Rodgers stated unequivocally, "Yes. This is it." The 42-year-old quarterback, entering his 22nd NFL season, agreed to a one-year contract with the Steelers worth up to $25 million last weekend. Rodgers led the Steelers to the AFC North division title in the previous season.
Reunion with former coach
The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former coach for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, after Mike Tomlin stepped down earlier this offseason. McCarthy and Rodgers previously defeated Tomlin's Steelers to win the Super Bowl during the 2010 season in Green Bay, and Rodgers earned two of his four MVP awards under McCarthy's guidance.
After signing a one-year deal with the Steelers last June, Rodgers had told the Pat McAfee Show that the 2025 season would likely be his final in the NFL. He then guided the Steelers to a division title and playoff appearance, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Contemplating retirement
Rodgers revealed on Wednesday that he had considered retiring after Tomlin resigned following the Steelers' playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January. However, the hiring of McCarthy changed his mind. "When [Tomlin] said he was stepping away, that was an emotional moment just because we all love him so much and care about him, and I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh," Rodgers said. "But when the decision was made to hire [McCarthy], I started opening my mind back up to coming back."
After spending 18 seasons with the Packers, Rodgers played for the New York Jets from 2023 to 2024. He described playing under McCarthy again as a "full circle" moment. "There was some doubt for sure, but I had good conversations with Mike going back to when he was hired. It's nice to come back. It felt different than last year, cause I knew some of the guys and the people that work here," Rodgers added. "So it felt good coming in."
