Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard throws during the pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Cente on March 26, 2025. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers Selflessly Loops Will Howard Into Retirement Plans

Originally posted on Kansas State Wildcats on SI
By Branson Brooks | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 2:16 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers just announced he’ll likely retire after next season, a revelation that could energize a former Kansas State quarterback eyeing the job.

On the Pat McAfee Show, the four-time MVP revealed he's "pretty sure this is it,” strongly suggesting next year will mark the end of his illustrious career. Rodgers said this is why he signed a one-year deal in Pittsburgh.

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers told the @PatMcAfeeShow that he’s “pretty sure this is it”, the last season of his NFL career. Rodgers said it is why he signed a one-year deal in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/MVRVcQhd6E
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2025

With Rodgers hinting at a one-year stint with the Steelers, the team is almost certainly preparing a succession plan at quarterback.

That spells out good news for rookie backup Will Howard. Rodgers emphasized that he doesn’t want to “overstep his bounds” with Howard or interfere with quarterbacks coach Tom Arth.

"Will's a rookie, and I pulled him aside during one of the days and said I want to help you as much as possible, but I'm not going to overstep my bounds. If you want assistance, I'm here buddy and I'm going to help you," Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show Tuesday afternoon.

“I wanna help Will Howard as much as possible..

If I can help him become a better player that would be an incredible achievement..

He’s such a good kid and I’m really looking forward to helping him out this season” @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/YMxnijQ6OC
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 24, 2025

Rodgers has already been helping improve Howard’s footwork and has given him pointers. It’s clear his intent is leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of the league as he prepares to wind down his career.

"From the playbook of my own mistakes and things that I needed to learn, that's where everything is going to come from," Rodgers said. "If I can help you become a better player this year, that would be an incredible achievement for me."