Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers’ Parting Gesture After Steelers NFL Playoff Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 12:11 AM ET

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to squeeze their way into the NFL playoffs after taking down the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, ending the regular season with a 10-7 record and the AFC North title. But their postseason run didn't last long as the Steelers fell to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans 30-6 in the wild card round, ending their season.

Rodgers struggled to get much going against DeMeco Ryans and the Texans' defense. The 42-year-old quarterback completed 17-of-33 passes for 146 yards and an interception, ending the game on the bench with Mason Rudolph taking over. And the final throw of his 21-year NFL career may have been a pick-6 by Houston's Calen Bullock

Now, Rodgers sees his one-year, $ 13.65 million contract with Pittsburgh expire, making him a free agent. But the former Green Bay Packers Super Bowl champion may not be returning for the 2026 NFL season as he ponders retirement.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

After the wild card game, Rodgers greeted numerous Texans players before making his way off the field for what may be the final time in his career, at least as a player. And as the quarterback was about to enter the locker room, he stopped and greeted wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, exchanging a few words and a lengthy hug.

Valdes-Scantling has been one of Rodgers’ trusted targets since entering the league in 2018. The former South Florida wide receiver spent his first four NFL seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay, totaling 123 catches for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns. After the 2021 season, Valdes-Scantling departed the Packers and went on to win two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs before reuniting with his quarterback in Pittsburgh.

Aaron Rodgers walks off for possibly the final time.

He was going around, greeting players along the way, and went into the locker room.

Gave MVS a hug, and that’s all the cameras wrote ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MI6CO8IUGY
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 13, 2026

While "Monday Night Football" sideline reporter Lisa Salters noted that Rodgers will " probably" retire following the Steelers' playoff exit, the quarterback did not want to make a decision just yet, revealing that he will take time to ponder his future.

"I'm not going to make any emotional decisions," Rodgers said after Steelers vs. Texans. "I'm not going to talk about that... Every game could be my final game."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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