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NFL Announcer Jim Nantz Makes Personal Plea To Aaron Rodgers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 15, 2025 12:11 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't the only ones anxiously awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers.

With offseason team activities approaching, Rodgers has yet to reveal his plans for the 2025 season. Unless the 41-year-old retires, Pittsburgh stands out as the most likely destination.

Jim Nantz hopes Rodgers continues his career. After the NFL unveiled the regular-season schedule Wednesday evening, the announcer noted in an NFL Network interview that CBS has a "heavy Pittsburgh influence." That starts with a Week 1 matchup against the quarterback's former team, the New York Jets.

Nantz added that CBS will also broadcast Steelers games against the Buffalo Bills (Week 13), Baltimore Ravens (Week 14), and Detroit Lions (16). That led Nantz, who spoke from the site of this week's PGA Championship, to urge Rodgers to join the Steelers.

"I don't know if you're watching, Aaron Rodgers. I hope you are. But I want you to know that I'm passing the hat here at Quail Hollow," Nantz said, via Awful Announcing. "And we're taking up a collection. I think we can run this thing up to somewhere close to — just again, a few of my colleagues and some friends — we want to see you in the Steel City this season."

Nantz joked that he could probably raise at least $1 million as a signing incentive for Rodgers. He acknowledged that CBS and Pittsburgh have a lot riding on the four-time MVP's decision.

"We need the Steelers to be good," Nantz said. "They need you. I saw you play last year. The numbers were really good, a lot better than people gave you credit for, and I know you can still play. I know you can still play. And you get doubled up with Mike Tomlin and T.J. Watt on that defense. I think it'd be a great thing. Let's get this thing done. I am just making a personal appeal. We want you, we need you, and we look forward to seeing you."

CBS isn't the only network hoping Rodgers goes to Pittsburgh. Along with taking the NFL's first trip to Ireland in Week 4, the Steelers have one primetime game each on ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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