Aaron Rodgers Sends Packers Message After NFL Playoff Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 12:08 AM ET

The season is over for Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. They came up short against the Houston Texans on Monday night, 30-6, in the wild card round. Rodgers had a forgettable outing, finishing with 17-of-33 completed passes for 146 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. Houston’s top-ranked defense also sacked the five-time All-Pro quarterback four times.

There has been considerable discussion about Rodgers’ future in the NFL. The retirement buzz has grown considerably stronger after Monday’s loss, which marked the end of the 42-year-old’s 21st season in the league.

The Steelers are Rodgers’ third team in the last three years. He spent the last two with the New York Jets. His first 18 years, however, were with the Green Bay Packers.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns.© Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Rodgers firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in the Packers' franchise history during his decorated tenure with the team. In 230 games played between 2005 and 2023, Rodgers amassed 5,001-of-7,660 completed passes (65.3%) for 59,055 yards and 475 touchdowns.

Rodgers holds multiple franchise records with the Packers, which is the same team that selected him as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

On Monday, Rodgers made sure to send a special shoutout to the Packers and the Green Bay faithful.

"I was fortunate to play in an incredible football city for 18 years,” he said. “I never took it for granted. I enjoyed that time there and this has been a really beautiful backend to that first 18.

"There's only a few really special places in the league that have the tradition and the town and the organization, and I'm thankful to have played for two of them."

As mentioned earlier, Rodgers also suited up for the Jets for two seasons before his move to the Steelers. However, the 10-time Pro Bowler was clearly referencing Green Bay and Pittsburgh as the two “special places” he’s had the privilege of playing for.

Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers for this season, made it clear that he has not yet made up his mind on his retirement. He has not ruled out the possibility of returning for a 22nd season in 2026.

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

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