The Pittsburgh Steelers still aren’t certain about who their starting quarterback will be for the 2025 season. All signs had been pointing to Aaron Rodgers suiting up for one last run, but an official announcement has yet to come. Rodgers, now 41 and just one season removed from a serious Achilles injury, has been difficult to read. His age, his recovery, and the way the New York Jets and Head Coach Aaron Glenn moved on from him have all played a role in slowing down his decision-making process.
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Four time league MVP Aaron Rodgers during a psychedelic session featured in his Netflix documentary.
Rodgers addressed the situation during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Thursday, reiterating that he’s still going through his process and isn’t ready to make a final commitment. He emphasized the weight of that decision and made it clear he doesn’t want to rush into anything. Along the way, Rodgers also took a moment to push back against what he called misinformation, including a conspiracy theory floated by former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
On his podcast, Roethlisberger suggested that Rodgers might be holding out in hopes of playing for the Minnesota Vikings. That theory quickly gained traction, but Rodgers dismissed it as false. While he didn’t confirm whether he’ll play for the Steelers or any team at all in 2025, his comments made it clear that speculation like Roethlisberger’s isn’t factoring into his decision. The football world—and Pittsburgh—continues to wait.
"There's been a lot of narratives that have not been anywhere near accurate, starting with the Jets, continuing with something I just read about me pitching something to the Vikings," Rodgers said. "I know Ben [Roethlisberger], I only know this again 'cause of Mia [Rodgers' sister]. I know Ben was on the show talking about me waiting around for the Vikings. That's not accurate either."
Many Steelers fans can appreciate Rodgers for stepping up and addressing some of the wild speculation surrounding his future. It was especially interesting to see him directly shut down Roethlisberger’s theory, calling it nowhere close to accurate.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
While Rodgers did acknowledge that he and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell have been longtime friends and have had conversations, he made it clear that those talks have nothing to do with his current decision-making process.
"I know there's, I'm sure some, a lot of sentiment from both Packers fans, and even maybe Vikings fans about certain things," Rodgers said. "But no, l've known Kevin forever. I've known Kevin O'Connell since we used to work out at Fitness Quest Ten, I think it was called, uh, in San Diego County in North County. I've known him for 17, 18 years. And we got a good friendship. So we talk outside of just this offseason. We keep in touch during the season. So we've had good communication."
Rodgers didn’t shy away from admitting there’s mutual respect between him and O’Connell, but he firmly denied the idea that he’s holding out in hopes of joining Minnesota. He emphasized that his delay in announcing a decision isn’t about waiting for another team—it’s about taking the time he needs to evaluate everything.
Steelers Fans Get Honest Update From Aaron Rodgers
For Steelers fans, that clarity matters. Even if Rodgers hasn’t committed to Pittsburgh yet, his willingness to directly address the rumors shows he’s at least mindful of the narratives and is trying to set the record straight. That kind of honesty can be respected by many in the Steel City. While the quarterback situation remains a waiting game, Rodgers certainly sounded like someone who has a lot of appreciation for the Steelers—especially Mike Tomlin and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth. He even highlighted his personal connection to Arth, adding another layer to the intrigue.
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Former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers celebrates a score in the Super Bowl.
That’s an interesting detail that shouldn’t be overlooked. Rodgers seems intent on taking his time and making sure he’s truly ready to commit to the demands of an entire NFL season in 2025. Given everything he’s said—and who he’s said it about—it’s hard not to feel like, if he does suit up again, it’s going to be in black and gold. Steelers fans may not have their answer just yet, but the signs are starting to point in a familiar direction.
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