Aaron Rodgers ‘Pretty Sure’ 2025 Marks End of Storied NFL Career
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now set to embark on his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has signaled that the 2025 campaign will likely be his last in the National Football League. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the four-time NFL MVP stated he is “pretty sure” this will be the final chapter of his extensive career.
Rodgers, who will turn 42 during the 2025 season, recently signed a one-year contract with the Steelers, a deal he says was intentionally structured to align with his anticipated retirement timeline. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal,” Rodgers explained. “This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
Why Pittsburgh? Finishing with ‘Love and Peace’
After two turbulent seasons with the New York Jets following his departure from Green Bay, Rodgers chose Pittsburgh for what he hopes will be his grand finale. He described the Steelers as one of the NFL’s “cornerstone franchises,” citing head coach Mike Tomlin’s consistent leadership – noting Tomlin has never had a losing season – a strong front office, supportive teammates, and a city that expects winning.
“What better to place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys and a city that expects you to win,” Rodgers remarked, appreciating the welcoming atmosphere and the “honest conversations” he’s had with Tomlin.
A Career Defined by Excellence, Chasing Milestones
Rodgers enters his 21st NFL season recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play. His accolades include four MVP awards (second only to Peyton Manning), ten Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl XLV victory (where he was named MVP, notably defeating the Steelers), the NFL’s highest career passer rating (102.6), and lowest interception percentage (1.4%).
He currently ranks seventh all-time in passing yards (62,952) and fifth in passing touchdowns (503). In what he expects to be his final season, Rodgers has the opportunity to climb higher in the record books, potentially surpassing Philip Rivers (63,440 yards) and Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger (64,088 yards) in yards, and Brett Favre (508 touchdowns) and possibly Peyton Manning (539 touchdowns) in touchdowns.
Not About Proving Anything, Just Competing
Despite his brief and rocky Jets tenure, which included an Achilles tear just plays into his 2023 debut and a challenging 2024 season, Rodgers insisted his decision to play in 2025 is not driven by a need to prove anything or avenge past struggles.
“I mean, I think it’s not really ‘can’t go out like this,'” he said, emphasizing his lifelong love for the game. “I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anybody or don’t have any chip on my shoulder… I wanted to be all in, and I had so many other things going on in my life that were taking my mind and my energy elsewhere.”
For 2025, he is fully committed to the Steelers, pledging to “give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank,” with aspirations of competing “at the highest level in the biggest games.”
Steelers’ Short-Term Solution, Long-Term Focus
Rodgers’ arrival follows a challenging 2024 season for the Steelers’ offense, which struggled with quarterback play from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and saw departures like George Pickens. The acquisition of Rodgers, alongside key additions like wide receiver DK Metcalf, is viewed by the team as a productive offseason shift aimed at positioning them for success in 2025.
His signing also highlights the Steelers’ ongoing search for stability at the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2021, with Rodgers marking the latest in a series of one-year solutions. The team is reportedly accumulating draft capital, projected to have 12 picks in the 2026 draft which will be held in Pittsburgh, signaling a potential focus on securing a long-term franchise quarterback in what is anticipated to be a stronger draft class.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has already begun mentoring rookie quarterback Will Howard, taking the young passer under his wing – a reflection of his commitment while with the team.
Anticipating Life Away From the Spotlight
Looking beyond 2025, Rodgers is clear about his post-retirement plans: he desires a life away from the public eye. “When this is all done,” he stated, referencing the character Keyser Soze, “you won’t see me. I won’t be in the public. I don’t want to live a public life.” He reportedly got married earlier this year, further suggesting a potential focus on personal life after football.
While his final season promises compelling narratives, including matchups against his former teams, the Jets and Packers, Rodgers is looking forward to retiring into relative anonymity, hoping to do so after one last successful run with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
