Aaron Rodgers gives update about retirement plans ahead of Steelers training camp

Mike McCarthy helped bring Aaron Rodgers back

Rodgers admitted he believed his career might be over after last season. Mike Tomlin stepped away following Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans, leaving Rodgers unsure whether he wanted to continue.

The Steelers’ decision to hire Mike McCarthy changed the conversation. Rodgers spent 13 seasons playing for McCarthy with the Green Bay Packers, and the two won Super Bowl XLV together.

“I thought last year might be it, and then Mike got hired, and I talked to my wife, and she said you can do one more year, see if it works out, and then it kind of all came together,” Rodgers told reporters.

Pittsburgh re-signed Rodgers to a one-year contract in May, officially setting up what he has called the final season of his career. He will become only the eighth player in NFL history to play at least 22 seasons.

Pittsburgh gets one final run with Rodgers

Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season while helping the Steelers finish 10-7 and win the AFC North. The year ended badly, however, with a 30-6 loss to Houston in the Wild Card Round.

Pittsburgh responded by adding more help around him. The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr., selected Germie Bernard in the second round of the NFL Draft and signed running back Rico Dowdle. They are hoping McCarthy can squeeze one more productive season out of a quarterback he knows better than nearly anyone.

There is no long-term mystery surrounding Rodgers anymore. Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar remain possible options for the future, but 2026 belongs to the four-time MVP.

The retirement tour is officially underway. Rodgers has been known to leave people guessing, yet “zero debate” does not leave much room for another plot twist.