Aaron Rodgers announces retirement after the 2026 season

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced Wednesday that the 2026 season will be the last of his Hall of Fame-worthy career. "Yes. This is it," Rodgers responded when asked if this would be his final NFL season. Recently, he signed a one-year contract worth up to $25 million with the Steelers, reuniting with coach Mike McCarthy, his coach for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers enters his 22nd -- and final -- NFL season with impressive achievements, ranking in the top seven in most major quarterback categories. He has won four NFL MVP Awards, second only to Peyton Manning, who holds five. His statistics include 66,274 passing yards, 527 touchdown passes, and 163 quarterback wins.

Despite his success, Rodgers thought his career in Pittsburgh was over after former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin resigned following the team's wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January. "When he said he was stepping away, that was an emotional moment just because we all love him so much and care about him, and I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh," Rodgers stated. However, after the decision to hire Mike McCarthy, he began to reconsider his departure.

Rodgers encouraged Steelers general manager Omar Khan to interview McCarthy for the head coach position, although he initially doubted McCarthy would be a serious contender. "I encouraged him for an outside perspective to interview Mike," Rodgers said. His familiarity with several assistants McCarthy brought to Pittsburgh reinforced his interest in returning.

Reflecting on his return, Rodgers described his feelings of nostalgia when participating in team meetings. "Honestly, sitting in the first 8 o'clock meeting on Monday took me back to being a 22-year-old kid sitting in Green Bay, listening to Mike's first meeting in 2006," Rodgers shared. McCarthy described it as a "surreal" experience to work together again, noting that despite Rodgers' age, he still possesses remarkable throwing ability.

In June 2025, Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers after months of contemplation. He had previously announced that the 2025 season would likely be his last. However, influential conversations with McCarthy and his wife led to his decision to return for another season.

Rodgers acknowledged that there was some uncertainty about his return but emphasized the difference in feeling compared to the previous year as he reconnected with many players and staff. McCarthy and Rodgers maintained regular communication during the decision process, with their most significant discussions occurring in the latest weeks leading to the decision.

Looking ahead, Rodgers believes the Steelers have strengthened their roster since last year and expressed optimism about the upcoming season.