
Aaron Rodgers is still thought to be mulling over his future.
But a new report suggests something deeply personal could have him lean toward retirement.
Rodgers, who turned 42 in December, does not have any children. However, that could change now that he’s a married man.
And, should he become a father, it could spell the end of his NFL career.
According to the Daily Mail, the quarterback is weighing fatherhood before deciding whether to return to play in 2026.
“Aaron Rodgers is weighing whether he wants to become a father for the first time before making a decision on returning to the NFL for another season,” the Mail reports, citing a source.
The publication adds:
The veteran quarterback, 42, has yet to tell new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy whether he will return for a second season in Pittsburgh – and the 22nd year of a remarkable career.
In the meantime, the Steelers have placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on Rodgers.
The move, rarely used in the NFL, will ensure Rodgers re-signs if he is keen on playing next season. They have also drafted Drew Allar to strengthen their position at QB.
According to the Mail’s source, the Steelers used the NFL rule because of interest in Rodgers from other teams, more so the Arizona Cardinals.
“But the chances of Aaron joining the Cardinals are extremely slim,” they said. “Right now, his options are to either become a dad or return to the Steelers for one more go.”
Rodgers revealed last June that he had been married for a few months, but no one has been able to identify his wife.
The tender means he can accept a 10 percent raise on his Steelers salary from last year, which would make him around $15 million in 2026.
Moreover, he can only sign with Pittsburgh once training camp kicks off.
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