Aaron Rodgers says 2026 will be his final NFL season.
During a news conference Wednesday, Rodgers replied, “Yes, this is it,” when asked whether he plans to retire after this season.
Rodgers, 42, is entering his 22nd season in the NFL and his second with the Steelers after signing a one-year deal to return to Pittsburgh last weekend.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands for the national anthem prior to the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Getty ImagesThe future Hall of Famer added that he thought his days as a Steeler were done when the franchise parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, but he “started opening [his] mind back up to coming back” when the team hired Mike McCarthy, whom he spent 15 seasons with in Green Bay.
Rodgers tested the Steelers’ patience with his long-delayed decision, having informed the team just before mandatory minicamp, but he had an explanation Wednesday.
“I wasn’t under contract, so I could take as much time as I want,” he said.
It’s far from the first time Rodgers has indicated he was ready for retirement. Last June, Rodgers told “The Pat McAfee Show” that he thought the 2025 season would be his last in the league.
Aaron Rodgers (8) and head coach Mike McCarthy during Steelers OTAs on May 18, 2026. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said at the time. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
In 16 games for Pittsburgh last season, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns, going 10-6 as the starter for the Steelers — he missed one game with a wrist injury.
The Steelers were blown out by the Texans 30-6 in the wild-card round, ending any Super Bowl hopes in Pittsburgh.
