Steelers' Aaron Rodgers signals intent to retire -- and disappear -- after 2025 season

Adam Bittner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jun 24, 2025

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — It does not appear the Steelers will need to worry about another protracted pursuit of Aaron Rodgers in 2026.

The QB made one of his periodic appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday and signaled he intends to retire after the season and make it his first and only in Pittsburgh.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers told McAfee and his panel of co-hosts on the afternoon talk show that airs on ESPN. “That’s why we did a one-year deal. The Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything.

“You know, this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I’ve played 20 fricking years. It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it. And what better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?”

Rodgers finally signed with the Steelers before minicamp earlier this month. He cited personal reasons and contemplation of retirement as the reasons he didn’t agree to a deal when NFL free agency opened in March.

The four-time league MVP said he kept an open dialogue with Mike Tomlin throughout that process before ultimately deciding he loved the game enough to come back for one more potential run at a Super Bowl title.

After that? He does not expect you’ll hear much from him.

“When this is over, it’s Keyser Soze, you won’t see me,” he told McAfee. “I don’t want to live a public life. That’s why it’s so strange what’s going on right now with my private life because I don’t want to live a life in the public eye.

“When this is done, I’m done. You won’t see me. And I’m looking forward to that. But while I’m in it, for this year, I’m going to give the Steelers everything that I’ve got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens.”

Rodgers has been the subject of public speculation as he’s appeared to wear a wedding ring in recent weeks, though there have been no details released publicly on any possible nuptials.

He told McAfee that he plans to welcome teammates to Malibu, Calif., in the lead-up to training camp, which begins at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., on July 23.

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