Aaron Rodgers has played 20 years in the NFL.
He’s scheduled to play his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Steelers this year.
Don’t expect more.
“I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said Tuesday afternoon on the Pat McAfee Show. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal.”
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Rodgers said he didn’t ask the Steelers for any further seasons.
Rodgers joined the Steelers ahead of minicamp after playing two years with the New York Jets, and his first 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
The 41-year-old won four MVPs and a Super Bowl title in his storied Packers run before tearing his Achilles tendon four snaps into his Jets tenure.
Rodgers returned in 2024 to play all 17 games at 40 years in his first season off the tear.
He completed 63 percent of passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during a tumultuous 5-12 Jets seasons. The club fired head coach Robert Saleh five games into the season, also stripping offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties and firing general manager Joe Douglas midseason.
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The Steelers were patient with Rodgers’ offseason as he waited to sign until after OTAs. Rodgers thanked Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Wednesday for allowing him to sign when he felt the time was right.
“I wanted to be all in and I had so many other things going on in my life that were taking my mind and my energy elsewhere and that’s why I appreciated how Mike was the whole time,” Rodgers said, thanking Tomlin for “honest conversations every week.” He went to Tomlin’s barbecue just before minicamp, also attending a barbecue and philanthropic event for veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward.
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Rodgers said the Steelers, in both historical franchise and current roster, are the right team for his professional finalé.
“It’s not really, ‘Can’t go out like this,’” Rodgers said. “It’s, ‘I love the game and there’s been a beautiful relationship.’ It was my first love when I was six years old dreaming about playing quarterback and being in the Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl.
“This is really about finishing with love and fun and peace for the career I’ve had. I’ve played 20 freaking years.”
English (US) ·