Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers plans to retire after the 2025 NFL season

On Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers sat down for an in-depth chat on The Pat McAfee Show, pulling back the curtain on his journey to joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran quarterback got candid about his career, personal life, and why he's all-in on this next chapter in black and gold.

Now donning Pittsburgh colors after signing a one-year deal in free agency, Rodgers becomes the latest experienced signal-caller tasked with holding down the fort as the franchise continues its long-term search for a true heir to Ben Roethlisberger.

As expected, Rodgers didn't hold back in praising the organization. He spoke glowingly about his admiration for head coach Mike Tomlin, expressing genuine excitement about taking the field with the Steelers and even hinted that he wouldn’t mind wrapping up his storied career in the Steel City. He also shared his enthusiasm for reporting to training camp in Latrobe, calling it a part of the tradition he's eager to be part of.

Sure, 2024 didn't mirror his MVP campaigns — but context matters. Rodgers wasn't expected to light the league on fire coming off a serious injury. Yet he stayed upright and under center all season, something many doubted was even possible. And heading into 2025, with more mobility and rhythm under his belt, he may very well rediscover some of the craft and savvy that made him one of the most cerebral quarterbacks of his generation.

Still, with individual accolades and a Super Bowl ring already locked away, and after reportedly tying the knot this offseason — the question begs: what's fueling this latest chapter?

Why is Rodgers, at 41, diving headfirst into a new playbook, new teammates, and the constant punishment of NFL hits? Perhaps this move to Pittsburgh is about more than Xs and Os — maybe it's to end his glorious football career on a high, a cleansing of sorts, after the Jets detour failed to match the hype.

Rodgers said: "I don't want the attention. I know that's a narrative out there. When this is all done — it's Keyser Soze. You won't see me. I won't be in the public. I don't want to live a public life. That's why it's so strange what's going on right now with my private life, because I don't want to live a life in the public eye. I'm not going to be in the public eye. When this is done, I'm done. And you won't see me, and I'm looking forward to that."

Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh with a Hall of Fame résumé built on a glittering legacy in Green Bay — 10 Pro Bowls, four MVP trophies, 11 playoff victories, and a Super Bowl ring to his name. But after a forgettable stint with the New York Jets, his story takes a new turn.

Rodgers’ 2024 season was far from vintage. While he suited up for all 17 games, a remarkable feat in itself at age 40 and fresh off an Achilles tear, the numbers weren’t eye-popping. He completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, tossing 28 touchdowns to 11 picks.

With Rodgers making his future intentions clear before a single snap is taken, the Steelers have a golden window to map out a calculated approach in their search for the next long-term answer under center.

Now, with over a year to prep, the front office can dive deep into evaluating the 2026 quarterback class, which could feature names like Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Drew Allar (Penn State), and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina). Add in a stash of projected compensatory picks from offseason departures, and Pittsburgh may be well-equipped to climb the draft board, just in time to make a franchise-defining selection in front of the home fans at the 2026 NFL Draft, hosted in Steel City.

Of course, the draft isn’t the only option. While elite signal-callers rarely hit free agency, 2026 doesn't look totally barren. Daniel Jones, now on a one-year prove-it deal with the Colts, leads the current crop. And depending on how things shake out in Indianapolis, Anthony Richardson Sr., their 2023 first-rounder, could become a trade candidate if he loses the QB battle to Jones.