After two decades in the NFL spotlight, Aaron Rodgers is finally hinting that he’s reached the end of the road.
But he’s not going out quietly—or without one last hurrah.
The 41-year-old quarterback has officially signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and according to Rodgers himself, this will likely be his final season in professional football.
A One-Year Deal With Retirement in Sight
Rodgers joined the Steelers earlier this month on a one-year deal reportedly worth $13.65 million, with $10 million guaranteed.
While fans and analysts buzzed about where he’d land after parting ways with the New York Jets, Rodgers was already looking at Pittsburgh as the place to wrap up his storied career.
“I’m pretty sure this is it,” he said on Tuesday’s Pat McAfee Show.
“We didn’t need to add any extra years.
This was about finishing my career with peace, love, and joy.
It’s been 20 damn years, and I’ve loved the ride.”
Why Pittsburgh Felt Right
For Rodgers, choosing the Steelers wasn’t just about the money or the team’s legacy.
It was personal.
He spoke highly of head coach Mike Tomlin, calling him a strong leader and praising the overall vibe in the Pittsburgh locker room.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to close this chapter,” Rodgers said.
“This is one of the cornerstone franchises in the NFL, and the people here made it feel like the right move.”
Delays, Personal Struggles, and a Bit of Soul Searching
Though rumors swirled about potential moves to the Giants or Vikings, Rodgers hesitated to make any immediate commitments.
Behind the scenes, he was dealing with personal grief—several close friends and family members were reportedly facing cancer diagnoses, which weighed heavily on him.
In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Rodgers opened up about how these challenges kept him from jumping into a new team situation.
“I had so much going on in my personal life that I just couldn’t be all in,” he explained.
Gratitude for the Patience and Support
Rodgers emphasized how much he appreciated the patience and empathy shown by Mike Tomlin during the drawn-out decision process.
“We had open, honest conversations every week. That meant the world to me,” Rodgers said.
The Steelers didn’t pressure him. Instead, they let him take the time he needed—something he found rare and valuable in the fast-paced world of pro football.
“The way they welcomed me was incredible,” he said, clearly touched.
What Comes After the Final Whistle?
So, what’s next for Aaron Rodgers after what he expects will be his final NFL season?
That part remains unclear.
But for now, he’s focused on giving his all for one last run—with a team that feels like the right place to end a legendary career.
All signs point to 2025 being Rodgers’ final chapter in football.
If that’s the case, fans can expect him to go out doing what he’s always done—leading, throwing, and competing with everything he’s got.