The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in a saga surrounding Aaron Rodgers all offseason. The ongoing speculation has worn thin on fans and even frustrated the media covering the team. Despite the noise, most signs still point to Rodgers joining the Steelers if he chooses to play football in 2025.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
Rodgers has openly acknowledged that he’s considering retirement as he is now 41 years old. Still, there’s been consistent buzz about his interest in spending one final season in Pittsburgh. If that happens, it would drastically shift the outlook for the Steelers and immediately raise expectations for a deep playoff run.
Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger recently weighed in on Rodgers’ situation during his Footbahlin podcast. Roethlisberger explained that he believes Rodgers has very few realistic options left and that Pittsburgh might be the only team seriously in play. He noted that while things could change, it seems like Rodgers will either suit up for the Steelers or not return to the field at all.
"Yeah, I mean, I have to believe that they still firmly believe—like, I don’t think Aaron is going to play anywhere else," Roethlisberger said. "Ok, I really don’t. I think it’s us—obviously the Steelers—or nowhere. Things can change, heaven forbid there was an injury to a team that’s close to where he wants to be … but I think it’s us or nobody."
There have been theories, including some suggested by Roethlisberger himself in recent months, that Rodgers might be holding out for a better team. Maybe he’s waiting to see if a more contender-ready team ends up needing a quarterback.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
At this point, though, Rodgers’ options seem to be either the Steelers or walking away from football altogether.
"I think he’s just really trying to figure out what he wants to do for sure," Roethlisberger said. "There’s nothing wrong with it, but as a fan and a teammate, you probably want him to be here, but he has to take care of himself."
It’s been a very long offseason for Steelers fans. The quarterback uncertainty has definitely added to the frustration surrounding the team’s direction. Rodgers has been dealing with personal matters that he feels are important to address before making any major commitments to the Steelers or any other team. While fans are understandably anxious, the blame for the delay shouldn’t be placed on Rodgers himself.
The Steelers had several different paths they could have taken this offseason. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on the roster in 2024, they ultimately decided neither represented the future of the franchise. Instead, they chose to place their hopes on Rodgers, even at 41 years old. That decision rests squarely on the organization, and Rodgers’ delay should be understood—if not respected—by the fan base.
Steelers Fans Really Shouldn't Be Mad At Rodgers
Rodgers never promised Pittsburgh anything, and at 41 years old, he’s earned the right to take his time. The responsibility falls on Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office for seemingly putting so much of their offseason on hold while waiting for a decision. Some however, would argue that the Steelers have operated this offseason in a manner that hasn't necessarily needed Rodgers' decision thus far. Regardless, until this situation is settled, Steelers fans are left in limbo, unsure whether to prepare for a final Rodgers run, or to rally behind Mason Rudolph or another quarterback option.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
No matter how this ends, the weight of expectation continues to grow in Pittsburgh. The longer this drags on, the more it affects preparation, planning, and the overall morale of a fan base desperate for direction. Until Rodgers makes his decision, Steelers fans won’t rest—and neither will the questions about what the team is truly building toward in 2025. Steeler Nation will continue to wait on Rodgers to make his intentions known to the public.
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