Aaron Rodgers has confirmed that the 2026 NFL season will be the final chapter of his legendary football career. The veteran quarterback announced on Wednesday that he will retire after completing his 22nd season in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“This is it,” Rodgers said while speaking after Pittsburgh’s second day of voluntary organized team activities.
The 42-year-old quarterback did not explain in detail why he decided to retire after this season, but admitted there was a moment earlier this year when he believed his football journey was already over. Rodgers said he seriously considered retirement after longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down following Pittsburgh’s heavy playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January.
However, things changed when the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. Rodgers, who spent 13 successful seasons with McCarthy at the Green Bay Packers, revealed that he encouraged Steelers general manager Omar Khan to speak with McCarthy about the coaching job.
Rodgers and McCarthy previously won a Super Bowl together in Green Bay and built one of the NFL’s most successful partnerships. Their strong relationship played a major role in Rodgers deciding to return for one more season.
The experienced quarterback said staying healthy and getting the chance to finish his career with familiar faces made the decision easier. Rodgers described the reunion with McCarthy and several former Packers staff members in Pittsburgh as “surreal.”
Rodgers said entering the Steelers’ meeting room again with McCarthy felt like going back to 2006, when he was still a young backup quarterback behind Brett Favre in Green Bay.
Despite his age, Rodgers still delivered solid performances last season. He threw 24 touchdown passes with only seven interceptions and helped Pittsburgh win the AFC North title. However, injuries and the Steelers’ playoff defeat against Houston also showed the physical challenges of continuing at 42 years old.
McCarthy praised Rodgers during training activities and said the veteran quarterback can still compete with any passer in the league. Along with leading the team this season, Rodgers is also expected to help mentor young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard as Pittsburgh prepares for the future after his retirement.
Rodgers said he is excited about the team’s offseason improvements, including the addition of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Rico Dowdle, and rookie receiver Germie Bernard. He also expressed confidence in the Steelers’ offensive line and defense, led by stars Cam Heyward and TJ Watt.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback said he is fully focused on enjoying the final season of his career and helping Pittsburgh compete for success one last time.
“I am excited about these guys,” Rodgers said. “I’m excited about the team.”
