Aaron Rodgers Says 2025 Will Likely Be His Final NFL Season

Aaron Rodgers isn’t planning to stretch his NFL career much longer. The 41-year-old quarterback said during Tuesday’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that he expects the 2025 season to be his last.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said, “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. The Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.”

After 18 years with the Green Bay Packers and two rocky seasons with the New York Jets, Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month. The four-time MVP said he’s looking to end his career on a positive note — surrounded by good people and in a city that values winning.

“I played 20 frickin’ years. It’s been the long run. I’ve enjoyed it, and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in the city that expects you to win,” he said.

A Legendary Career

Rodgers leaves behind a Hall of Fame resume in Green Bay. He holds franchise records in touchdown passes (475), completion percentage (65.3), and passer rating (103.6). Only Brett Favre ranks ahead of him in career passing yards (59,055) and completions (5,001).

His time with the Jets, however, was a different story. After tearing his Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season, Rodgers returned in 2024 but finished with a 5–12 record and missed the playoffs. The Jets released him this offseason, allowing Pittsburgh to step in.

Rodgers won’t have to wait long to see his former teams. The Steelers open the season on Sept. 7 against the Jets and face the Packers in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football.

Playing for the Love of the Game

Rodgers made it clear that his return isn’t about going out on a high note. It’s simply because he still loves the game.

“It’s not really ‘[I] can’t go out like this,'” he said. “I love the game, and there’s been a beautiful relationship. It was my first love when I was 6 years old, dreaming about playing quarterback and being in the Super Bowl and winning in the Super Bowl. … I wanted to be there for minicamp once I decided I was going to be all-in, but I didn’t need this. I didn’t need it at all. Well, I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anybody or don’t have any chip on my shoulder. I don’t want the attention.

He’s focused on giving everything he has to the Steelers this season. “I’m going to give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens.”

Why Pittsburgh?

Rodgers said his connection with head coach Mike Tomlin played a huge role in his decision. The two talked regularly while Rodgers considered his future. He even attended a cookout at Tomlin’s house the weekend after signing.

“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 entire time,” Rodgers said. “Just being able to have those conversations, honest conversations every single week was really meaningful to me, and the way that I was welcomed in was really cool.”

Feeling Healthy and Ready

Rodgers told McAfee he “felt great” during the 2024 season and that his left Achilles “felt incredible.” McAfee also shared that Rodgers squeezed the interview in between two daily workouts. Rodgers said he’s staying in shape and even plans to train in Malibu next week with a few teammates.

Keeping His Private Life Private

Rodgers also spoke about his personal life — but only to make one thing clear: he wants privacy.

He confirmed during minicamp that he’s now married, but he hasn’t shared his wife’s name and doesn’t plan to.

“It’s a sick society,” Rodgers said. “I lived in a public eye for 20 years. I had a public relationship. How did that work out? … Now I’m with somebody who’s private, who doesn’t want to be in the public eye, didn’t sign up to be a celebrity, doesn’t want to be a part of it.

Rodgers added that his wife will decide when, or if, she wants to be seen publicly.

“My private life is my private life, and it’s going to stay that way. And I’m with somebody who wants to be private and if and when she wants to be out and there’s a picture, she’ll choose that, and she deserves the right to that.”