Aaron Rodgers: Retiring 'in the thought process'

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is ruling out retiring after the season. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers: Retiring after the season 'in the thought process'

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/29/21

Calling Aaron Rodgers' 2021 campaign "interesting" is nothing short of an understatement.

So, perhaps it shouldn't surprise any that the 38-year-old Packers quarterback gave the media an interesting answer when asked about retiring after this season.

Aaron Rodgers is not ruling out retiring after this season: "I'm just enjoying this season for this season, and playing next year will definitely be in the thought process." He says it's important for him to "not be a bum" on his way out, but play at high level. He's doing that.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) December 29, 2021

Despite slogging through a drama-filled offseason — which gave way to a somewhat drama-filled regular season — the reigning league MVP has appeared to make peace with the Green Bay football club and has posted stellar numbers in the process.

Aaron Rodgers reiterates with us now that he's enjoying the present and will make a decision about his future this offseason. Retirement is not off the table, he said.

"It won't be something where I'll drag it out for months and months."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 29, 2021

Rodgers said he doesn't want to be a "bum" on his way out and has proven he can still play at a high level.

Everything seems to be on the table with regards to his future. Interesting to hear him say retirement is a possibility.

Said his praise of front office has been genuine.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 29, 2021

On one hand, it's understandable that Rodgers would want to focus on the task at hand. His team (12-3, 1st in NFC North) has two regular-season games left before playoff football begins.

Then again, these comments also come from the same guy who dragged out a feud with the Packers organization for months before deciding to report to training camp late. With that in mind, it would be understandable if football fans would expect him to make a spectacle out of leaving.

In any case, Rodgers has at least a couple of games left as the Packers set their sights on making a deep playoff run.

Green Bay ends its regular season with games against the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) and the Detroit Lions (2-12-1).

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