Aaron Rodgers retirement: Steelers QB noncommittal on future after Texans loss

PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers will once again be heading into an offseason where he will have to make a decision regarding his future in the NFL.

Rodgers’ 21st season came to an abrupt end Monday evening after the Texans scored 23 points in the fourth quarter en route to a 30–6 victory over the Steelers in the AFC wild card round. The 42-year-old watched the final drive of the game from the sideline after throwing a pick six on what could possibly be the final pitch of his Hall of Fame career.

“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions at this point,” Rodgers said when asked if this game would impact his decision. “It was such a fun year…It was a great year overall in my life, and that was a really good part of it, coming here and being a part of this team. It’s disappointing to be sitting here with the season over.”

Rodgers alluded to this likely being his final season shortly after signing a one-year deal with the Steelers. There have, however, been rumors that Rodgers might be willing to play another season for Pittsburgh considering his and the team’s success during the regular season, which included an AFC North title.

“Get away and have the right conversations,” he replied when asked what his process would be for making a decision.

Although he hasn’t spoken about his future, Rodgers expressed appreciation and gratitude for what could have been his only season with the Steelers. After two turbulent seasons in New York, Rodgers had a largely successful year in Pittsburgh that culminated with his first trip to the playoffs since 2021, his penultimate season with the Packers.

“I was lucky enough to play in an incredible football city for 18 years. I never took it for granted and enjoyed my time there,” he said. “It’s been a really nice backend for the First 18, to be able to be here for a year. It’s a special place. There’s tradition, there’s excellence, there’s all-time greats. Just look around the stadium tonight, just to see the fans. There wasn’t a big splash of Texas fans, and there’s a lot to be said for that.

“There are only a few truly special places in the league that have the tradition, the city and the organization, and I’m grateful to have played for two of them.”

Before Rodgers’ press conference, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was asked if he wanted Rodgers to return next season. Warren didn’t hesitate before giving his answer.

“Yes, I do,” he said. “It was really an honor to play with a guy like that, a future Hall of Famer. I enjoyed it.”