“This is It”: Aaron Rodgers Confirms He Will Walk Away From Football After 2026 Season

Aaron Rodgers has returned for his 22nd season in the NFL after waiting months to spend time with his wife and analyse whether he wants to continue playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers or any other team.

After years of turmoil with the New York Jets, the Chino, California, native found the franchise in Pittsburgh to be welcoming. They all loved the 42-year-old and wanted him back.

But the vigor of playing another full regular season, along with potentially more games in the playoffs, is daunting, even for a young athlete.

Which is why he went into oblivion to figure out whether he wants to go through that again, knowing an unfortunate hit or a misstep could bring months of pain.

But he is back, after signing a one-year, $25 million contract, and is already working out with his teammates and head coach Mike McCarthy. Then, it was time to appear in front of reporters for the first time since the embarrassing Wild Card round loss.

I love Mike T (Tomlin)… You know, I thought, when he said he was stepping away, that was an emotional moment… I thought that that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh. But when the decision to hire Mike (McCarthy), I said, ‘Open my mind back up to coming back.’

Aaron Rodgers told reporters

This was the four-time league MVP‘s response when asked what led him to take this long to decide to come back. After his initial response, another reporter asked whether this season would be his last.

Yes. This is it. Yeah.

Aaron Rodgers replied

One last ride for @aaronrodgers12 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Thby6p4sXQ

— NFL (@NFL) May 20, 2026

The quarterback said it with a smile, which is all the confirmation the football world needs that the upcoming season is officially his farewell tour.

Aaron Rodgers had a lot of discussions with his wife and Steelers before returning

Before he announced his plan to retire at the end of this upcoming season, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor asked Aaron Rodgers what his conversations were that led to his return for this season.

I had a lot of conversations with Mike (McCarthy) and Omar (Khan) for a while. I had a lot of conversations with my wife about it. After the draft came to the conclusion that I want to play, I want to come back.

Aaron Rodgers replied

This means that even though GM Omar Khan did not know his quarterback’s whereabouts, the superstar was in constant touch, just to discuss everything before he made his decision.

Aaron Rodgers says he had a lot of conversations with McCarthy, Omar Khan and his wife about his decision to return. Made the decision after the draft. pic.twitter.com/qW8CZ3NNUS

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 20, 2026

Naturally, his still mysterious wife would be in those discussions. Since the media have hounded the couple, they may have kept their location a secret.

After deliberations with her, Mike McCarthy, and Khan, Aaron Rodgers decided to return. It seems he had two things in mind when doing so. One was to help his former head coach start his career with the Steelers, and the other was his teammates.

Aaron Rodgers excited about new additions

It is possible that Aaron Rodgers felt he should not abandon his teammates after Mike Tomlin’s departure left them in shock and unsure about their futures.

Then, after he noticed what the Steelers had done in the draft, the 10-time Pro Bowler felt the roster was good enough to give it one last try.

We were close last year, we had some good pieces… A lot of good pieces added to the mix.

Aaron Rodgers said

This was his answer when asked about the current makeup of the team. He talked about every draft pick and free agency addition, and how, unlike others, he was happy to see them come to Pennsylvania.

Aaron Rodgers on what he likes about the Steelers 2026 roster pic.twitter.com/rHRtTBBx0J

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 20, 2026

He also talked about the slot receiver position, which was a position of need. The Steelers’ picking Alabama alum Germie Bernard in the second round excited him. But he probably knows the team missed out on drafting a stud in Makai Lemon.

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