Aaron Rodgers Confirms This Season with Steelers Will Be His Last in the NFL: "This is it"

May 21, 2026 - 04:13

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear: the 2025 season will be his final one in the NFL. The veteran quarterback, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, told reporters that there will be no more speculation about his future after this year.

"This is it," Rodgers said. "I've thought about it a lot, and I know in my heart that this is the last ride."

Rodgers, who turns 42 in December, joined the Steelers this offseason after a lengthy and public departure from the New York Jets. His time in New York was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon in the 2023 season opener, and he returned in 2024 but the team struggled to find consistency. The trade to Pittsburgh gave him a fresh start, but he insists it will be a short one.

"I don't want to be one of those guys who hangs on too long," Rodgers said. "I've had an incredible career. I've won a Super Bowl, I've been MVP multiple times. There's nothing left to prove. I want to go out on my own terms, and that means giving everything I have to this team this season."

Rodgers acknowledged that the decision was not easy, but he feels at peace with it. He said he has already begun thinking about life after football, including spending more time with family and pursuing other interests.

"I'm excited for what's next," he said. "But right now, my focus is on the Steelers and trying to bring a championship to Pittsburgh. That's the only thing that matters."

The Steelers, who have not won a playoff game since 2016, are hoping that Rodgers can provide the spark they need. With a strong defense and a talented group of skill players, the team believes it can make a deep run. Rodgers said he is fully committed to that goal.

"I'm not here to coast," he said. "I'm here to compete. And I'm going to leave everything on the field."