Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has held off on making any firm commitments about retirement, but the team’s playoff elimination on Monday could accelerate the questions — with a new potential path for the future Hall of Famer.
Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title after a thrilling win over the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL’s final game last week, but the offense struggled in a loss to the Houston Texans on Monday. The loss sent the 42-year-old Rodgers to a pivotal offseason, with a report suggesting he could have an avenue to return to the league if he should choose.
Aaron Rodgers Expected to Make Retirement Decision
While Rodgers has mused about retirement over the last year, he has not said exactly what he plans. Robert Zeglinski of USA Today’s For the Win suggested that this could well be the end of the road for Rodgers.
“If there were an ideal time for the four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl 45 champion and MVP to finally retire, it would probably be now,” Zeglinski wrote. “You know, when he’s still a somewhat functional veteran who can occasionally do more than manage a game, albeit one who has seen much better days.”
Zeglinski added that the team’s playoff elimination would be a likely decision point for Rodgers.
“It seems pretty obvious that whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ends, Rodgers’ future will rightfully come into question,” Zeglinski added. “Be it after Monday night’s AFC Wild Card Game against the Houston Texans or even if the Steelers do go on a deep playoff run.”
Steelers Could Take Him Back for Another Season
After struggling for two seasons with the New York Jets, Rodgers found more success in Pittsburgh this season as he led the Steelers to a 10-7 record and a division title. Though they fell short in the playoffs, Bobby Kownack of NFL.com reported that the Steelers would be open to bringing Rodgers back to lead them in 2026.
“If the 42-year-old chooses to return for a 22nd NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers would love to have him back,” Kownack reported.
“The Steelers have enjoyed the experience of coupling with Rodgers, a four-time MVP, and would be ‘more than open’ to continuing with him as their QB1 should the future Pro Football Hall of Famer forgo retirement, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday’s NFL GameDay Morning.”
Rodgers did admit last year that he was leaning toward retirement, saying in June that he was likely spending one season with the Steelers.
“That’s why we just did a one-year deal — Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything,” Rodgers said, via NFL.com. “This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I mean, I’ve played freaking 20 years, you know? It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it. What better to place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys and a city that expects you to win.”
Aaron Rodgers Retirement Gets Major Update After Steelers Playoff Loss