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Aaron Rodgers Made Concerning Personal Admission After Leaving Jets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers spent most of this year trying to keep football separate from what he described as a difficult stretch in his personal life. When the New York Jets chose to move on from him after two seasons and committed to Justin Fields, the future Hall of Famer suddenly had a major decision to make.

Instead of rushing into a landing spot, Rodgers stepped back. He told viewers during one of the spring interviews that people close to him were going through something challenging. That slowed down everything related to his football plans. His comments stood out at the time because Rodgers rarely opens up about matters like that, especially while the league waits on him to choose his next move.

By the time the season started to take shape, the conversation turned to what was left for a 41-year-old who was coming off a full year as a starter again. He had rebuilt his value after the 2023 Achilles injury and had put together solid numbers in 2024.

Still, the timing of his free agency and the Jets’ decision created a crossroads. Rodgers was clear that he was not stringing anyone along, but he also made it known that life away from the field was his top focus. That helped explain the delay when teams like the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings initially showed interest before looking elsewhere.

The Pittsburgh Steelers eventually became the most realistic spot for him. They were a playoff team with an opening. Once he settled there, it created some stability he had been missing during those uncertain spring weeks. Even after his slow return to public interviews, Rodgers kept most of the details private but admitted the past year forced him to look at his priorities differently.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up.© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

How Rodgers Is Doing Now In Pittsburgh

Rodgers has handled an unusual season with mixed results. He has thrown for 1,969 yards with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while adjusting to a new scheme and a very different environment than the one he left behind. He will turn 42 on Tuesday, and durability has once again become a talking point.

He left the Nov. 16 game against Cincinnati with an injury and was held out for the matchup with the Chicago Bears. The Steelers have leaned on their defense and run game during his absence, which has fueled questions about how long they can wait for him to get fully healthy.

His presence has been huge in the locker room, and there is optimism with his return Sunday at home against the Bills. Pittsburgh invested in weapons like DK Metcalf to give Rodgers a chance to extend his career with a roster that can win now. That setup is one of the reasons the Steelers were the only team that made sense after the Jets closed the door in the offseason.

Where Things Stand After His Admission

Rodgers’ decision to speak openly months ago is now viewed in a different light as this Steelers season moves along. It explains why he took his time, why he said every option was on the table and why his shift from New York to Pittsburgh felt like more than a football decision.

The conversation about whether he continues playing in 2026 will depend on how he finishes this season and how his personal situation evolves, which he acknowledged plays a major role in everything he does now.

He has dealt with injuries, a new team and the transition that comes with being a veteran quarterback nearing the end of a long career. The admission he made earlier this year helps frame the challenges he faces today and why the next few months carry added importance.

Despite all that, the Steelers remain in first place in the AFC North with their 6-5. They got a huge lift from Cincinnati on Thanksgiving, as they downed Baltimore, and dropped the Ravens to 6-5.