"It's why we just did a one-year deal. The Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything. 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 20 fricken years. It's been a long run and I've enjoyed it. What a better 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 in a city that expects you to win."
Rodgers was drafted out of the University of California in 2005 and is entering his 21st season. He played 18 years for the Packers and the past two for the Jets. He has won one Super Bowl, been named an All-Pro four times and has thrown for 62,952 yards and 503 touchdowns. He's a surefire Hall of Famer. However, he said there was uncertainty about whether or not he wanted to play this year.
Before signing a one-year deal ahead of mini-camp two weeks ago, Rodgers said he had several things in his private life that were drawing his attention and energy away from football, which is what took him so long to sign. He said he communicated with Tomlinconsistently throughout the process, which was "meaningful."
Rodgers said he "didn't need this" and has nothing to prove this season, but wanted to make sure that he could be "all-in" before deciding to play another season. He also spoke about wanting to live a private life, after his career is over: "When this is done, I'm done. You won't see me, and I'm looking forward to that."
"But, while I'm in it, for this year, I'm going to give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens. Obviously, we dream about playing at the highest level in the biggest games. But, the fact that I can come back to Pittsburgh, play for Mike, get to know the organization, be a part of a special franchise that's had such incredible success and be able to play and follow in the footsteps of Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and Lynn Swann and Jack Lambert, Mean Joe Greene and then all the guys that played in the 90s and 2000s, Jerome Bettis, Big Ben. All-time greats. Just to be a guy that can put on the same uniform is pretty special for me. That's all I need this year, is just to go out there and have a chance to compete. That's why I'm working so hard, so I can put myself in a position to be able to play 20 games this year and 20 great ones."
Here's the six-minute segment in which he talks about his decision:
While this season may be his last, Rodgers also spoke about the future of his position in Pittsburgh and said that he's willing to help Will Howard, the Steelers' sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, develop and learn, but doesn't want to overstep.
Rodgers didn't participate in any team activities during mini-camp and said he enjoyed the opportunity to sit back and watch everything that took place. He said he was impressed by Howard and some of the throws he made. Rodgers said he pulled Howard aside during mini-camp and told him, "I want to help you as much as possible. But, I'm not going to overstep my bounds."
"I think there’s definitely some things that I can help him with and some things that are different at the pro level," Rodgers said. "I’d love to help Will and set him up to have a chance to be the guy for the next, who knows how long. I think that’s part of the opportunity. It’s not the job, but the opportunity to help Will out is one that I’m really looking forward to."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
4:43 pm - 06.24.2025DOWNTOWN'Pretty sure this is it:' Rodgers likely to retire after 2025 season
Aaron Rodgers said this afternoon on the Pat McAfee Show that he will likely retire after the 2025 season: "I'm pretty sure this is it."
"It's why we just did a one-year deal. The Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything. 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 20 fricken years. It's been a long run and I've enjoyed it. What a better 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 in a city that expects you to win."
Rodgers was drafted out of the University of California in 2005 and is entering his 21st season. He played 18 years for the Packers and the past two for the Jets. He has won one Super Bowl, been named an All-Pro four times and has thrown for 62,952 yards and 503 touchdowns. He's a surefire Hall of Famer. However, he said there was uncertainty about whether or not he wanted to play this year.
Before signing a one-year deal ahead of mini-camp two weeks ago, Rodgers said he had several things in his private life that were drawing his attention and energy away from football, which is what took him so long to sign. He said he communicated with Tomlin consistently throughout the process, which was "meaningful."
Rodgers said he "didn't need this" and has nothing to prove this season, but wanted to make sure that he could be "all-in" before deciding to play another season. He also spoke about wanting to live a private life, after his career is over: "When this is done, I'm done. You won't see me, and I'm looking forward to that."
"But, while I'm in it, for this year, I'm going to give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens. Obviously, we dream about playing at the highest level in the biggest games. But, the fact that I can come back to Pittsburgh, play for Mike, get to know the organization, be a part of a special franchise that's had such incredible success and be able to play and follow in the footsteps of Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and Lynn Swann and Jack Lambert, Mean Joe Greene and then all the guys that played in the 90s and 2000s, Jerome Bettis, Big Ben. All-time greats. Just to be a guy that can put on the same uniform is pretty special for me. That's all I need this year, is just to go out there and have a chance to compete. That's why I'm working so hard, so I can put myself in a position to be able to play 20 games this year and 20 great ones."
Here's the six-minute segment in which he talks about his decision:
While this season may be his last, Rodgers also spoke about the future of his position in Pittsburgh and said that he's willing to help Will Howard, the Steelers' sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, develop and learn, but doesn't want to overstep.
Rodgers didn't participate in any team activities during mini-camp and said he enjoyed the opportunity to sit back and watch everything that took place. He said he was impressed by Howard and some of the throws he made. Rodgers said he pulled Howard aside during mini-camp and told him, "I want to help you as much as possible. But, I'm not going to overstep my bounds."
"I think there’s definitely some things that I can help him with and some things that are different at the pro level," Rodgers said. "I’d love to help Will and set him up to have a chance to be the guy for the next, who knows how long. I think that’s part of the opportunity. It’s not the job, but the opportunity to help Will out is one that I’m really looking forward to."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!