The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in a saga involving 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. A lot has been said and speculated about Rodgers' decision—or lack thereof—as the offseason drags on. The Steelers seem confident that Rodgers will be under center for them in 2025, but the future Hall of Famer has yet to make anything official. As things stand, many around the league believe Rodgers has narrowed it down to just two options: retire or play for Pittsburgh.
AP Photo / Adam Hunger
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.
On Thursday, Rodgers finally broke his silence during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. While he didn’t offer a definitive answer about his future, he confirmed that retirement is still very much on the table. His comments offered some clarity for Steelers fans, who have grown increasingly anxious as the team builds its offseason plans with the assumption that Rodgers will be their starting quarterback.
Rodgers also pushed back on the growing narrative that he's "holding the Steelers hostage," calling the reports crazy. He dismissed the idea that he's dragging things out intentionally or leaving Pittsburgh in the dark. Still, his refusal to commit has left the franchise—and its fan base—in a state of limbo. With training camp creeping closer, all eyes remain on Rodgers as the Steelers wait for the answer that could define their 2025 season.
"Also, the conversation was where I was at in my personal life," Rodgers said. "But also about where I was in my personal life, off the field, and in my inner circle. That has to take my attention right now. So I wasn’t stringing anyone along. I wasn’t holding anybody hostage."
Rodgers has been frustrated by claims that he’s delaying his decision just to soak up attention. He made it clear that this has absolutely nothing to do with his thought process.
Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
Former Green Bay Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
Rodgers explained that retirement is something he’s genuinely considering.
"I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentality and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention," Rodgers said. "I am open to anything and attached to nothing so yeah, retirement is still a possibility, but right now my focus has been and will continue to be in my personal life."
For Rodgers, this is a major decision. At 41 years old and coming off a serious Achilles injury just one season prior, the road back hasn’t been easy—physically or mentally. His 2024 season with the New York Jets was a struggle, but as the year progressed, he began to look more like himself again. Now, with age, internal drama, and the weight of legacy on his shoulders, Rodgers isn’t rushing into anything.
Steelers Still In Play For Aaron Rodgers
He reportedly had a productive meeting with the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and while no decision has been made, the tone coming out of that meeting was encouraging. Rodgers made it clear he’s going to take his time and do what’s best for him. He doesn’t owe the Steelers—or any team—anything. That said, if he does decide to return in 2025, all signs are pointing toward Pittsburgh. And money won’t be a factor—Rodgers said he’d be willing to play for as little as $10 million.
AP
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a round of golf.
He’s focused on clarity, health, and whether the competitive fire still burns strong enough to give it one more go. Rodgers has nothing left to prove—his Hall of Fame legacy is cemented. But the idea of writing one final chapter with a storied franchise like the Steelers could be the spark he needs. Steelers fans have not enjoyed the delay but hearing from Rodgers should help give them some comfort in the fact that he's taking his time to ensure he wants to give Steeler Nation everything he has.
#SteelerNation
