Aaron Rodgers has officially declared that the upcoming NFL season will be his final one.
The 41-year-old quarterback will suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 on a one-year deal, capping off a legendary two-decade career.
In a candid interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said he is embracing the idea of walking away from football-and from public life altogether.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said on Tuesday.
“That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on it or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love, and fun, and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
Rodgers spent 18 years with the Green Bay Packers before moving to the New York Jets in 2023, where injuries derailed his campaign.
Now he heads into what he calls his “last ride” with one of the most storied teams in the league.
“I mean, I’ve played 20 freaking years. It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it,” Rodgers said.
“What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL? With Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership, and great guys, and a city that expects you to win.”
Rodgers prepares to leave football
The Steelers’ 2025 schedule includes road trips to the Jets, Patriots, Bengals, Chargers, Bears, Ravens, Lions, and Browns.
There will also be a home showdown with the Packers in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football, a moment sure to draw plenty of emotion from fans and Rodgers himself.
He spent nearly two decades in Green Bay, winning a Super Bowl and four league MVP awards while becoming one of the most recognizable players in the NFL.
But once this season ends, Rodgers insists his days of public exposure will end with it.
“I don’t want the attention – I know that’s a narrative out there,” Rodgers told McAfee.
“When this is all done, it’s Keyser Söze. You won’t see me. I won’t be in the public. I don’t want to live a public life.”
Rodgers emphasized that he is not interested in broadcasting jobs or endorsement deals that often come calling once a player retires.
“That’s why it’s so strange, what’s going on right now in my private life, because I don’t want to live a life in the public eye,” he said.
“I’m not gonna be in the public eye. When this is done, I’m done. You won’t see me, and I’m looking forward to that.”
Rodgers’ remarks make it clear that he sees retirement not just as an exit from the NFL, but from fame itself.
Whether or not he will follow through remains to be seen, but the statement stands out in a league where so many former stars remain fixtures on TV and social media.
For now, Rodgers is focused on one last campaign and is hoping to end his career on his own terms. And when it ends, he intends to walk away quietly and never look back.
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