Aaron Rodgers made an appearance on Thursday\'s Pat McAfee Show to address mounting speculation about his football future, including persistent rumors linking him to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 41-year-old quarterback acknowledged being in a different phase of his life, citing his age, a serious relationship, and personal commitments as factors influencing his decision-making process regarding the 2025 NFL season.
Rodgers confirmed he has had multiple conversations with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, though he emphasized that no deadlines have been imposed on him to make a decision about his future.
The four-time MVP dismissed the notion that financial considerations would impact his choice, stating emphatically that money is not a motivating factor in his deliberations about continuing his NFL career.
After spending the past two seasons with the New York Jets, including a 2023 campaign largely lost to an Achilles tear suffered in the season opener, Rodgers finds himself at a career crossroads following the Jets\' decision to move in a different direction under new head coach Aaron Glenn.
Rodgers\' return from his Achilles injury in 2024 produced mixed results, as the Jets failed to meet expectations despite his presence at quarterback, leading to organizational changes and his current free agency status.
Despite interest from teams like Pittsburgh, Rodgers remained non-committal about his plans, openly acknowledging that retirement remains a viable option as he weighs his professional and personal priorities.
Throughout the interview, Rodgers emphasized his respect for teams that might need to pursue other options while he contemplates his future, maintaining that he harbors no ill will toward organizations that choose to move forward with alternative plans.
\"I\'ll set it all straight. From the jump, I\'m in a different phase of my life, I\'m 41 years old, I\'m in a serious relationship, I have personal commitments I\'ve made... and people in my inner circle battling difficult stuff. To make a commitment to a team is a big thing,\" Rodgers said during the interview.
\"This entire time, I haven\'t felt like I owed anybody a decision at any point. I\'ve said listen, if you need to move on and do something, love and respect. But there\'s been no deadline. I\'ve talked to Mike T many times.\"
Rodgers appeared genuinely conflicted about continuing his career or retiring.
\"I\'m open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement could still be a possibility,\" said Rodgers.
