42-year-old Aaron Rodgers finally reveals Mike Tomlin’s role in retirement decision

Aaron Rodgers says Mike Tomlin’s exit nearly ended Pittsburgh Steelers chapter

Speaking in a clip shared by the NFL on X, Aaron Rodgers explained how Mike Tomlin’s stepping away changed the way he viewed his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Yeah, I love Mike [Tomlin]. I mean, I really appreciate the opportunity to come in last year and love my experience with him,” Rodgers began.

He added, “When he said he was stepping away, that was an emotional moment just because we all love him so much and care about him, and I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh.”

That reaction fits the emotional weight around Tomlin’s departure. Rodgers had joined Pittsburgh in 2025 and helped the Steelers win the AFC North, but the season ended with a first-round playoff loss before Tomlin stepped away after 19 seasons.

At that point, Rodgers’ return looked unlikely. His connection with Tomlin had been a major part of the Steelers move, and without him, Pittsburgh no longer looked like the same final stop.

Aaron Rodgers returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers after Mike McCarthy reunion changed his retirement plan

The Steelers’ coaching decision changed Rodgers’ thinking because it gave him a familiar football relationship at the end of his career.

Rodgers stated, “But when the decision was made to hire Mike [McCarthy], I started opening my mind back up to coming back.”

Upon being asked if this will be Rodgers’ final NFL season, he said: “Yes. This is it.”

McCarthy and Rodgers spent years together in Green Bay and won Super Bowl XLV after the 2010 season. Their reunion gives Rodgers a full-circle finish, even with the complicated history that followed their Packers run.

Rodgers signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh worth up to $25 million, setting up his 22nd and final NFL season. The Steelers are also preparing for life after him, with young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard in the building.

For Rodgers, the final year is now framed around closure. He has four MVP awards, a Super Bowl ring and one more chance to chase a postseason run before walking away.