Aaron Rodgers Gets 3-Word Message from Cam Heyward amid Steelers Return, NFL Retirement Rumors

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward had a simple message for Aaron Rodgers amid the quarterback's apparent indecision as to whether to return for another NFL season.

"He's worn the back and gold. Just return, baby. That's all we need," Heyward said around the 0:35 mark of his Friday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.

Heyward continued, "I think he had a fun time being a part of this crew, and we really enjoyed his company, but I'd like to be able to run it back with him."

That's a different take than Heyward offered on Rodgers' last drawn-out decision, when he waited until June to sign his previous one-year contract with the Steelers.

"I just want to play football. I'm tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I'd rather have it done... either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don't. That's simple. That's the pitch," Heyward said around the 12:30 mark of a March 2025 episode of his podcast Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.

Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-6 record before losing to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round in his age-42 season with the team.

Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen recently said he saw the odds Rodgers returning for a second season in Pittsburgh rather than retiring as "50-50."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Steelers had originally hoped for an answer from Rodgers within 30 days of the end of last season.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II is now "hoping" for an answer from Rodgers by the 2026 NFL draft, which begins later this week in Pittsburgh, according to Schefter.

Rooney recently told WTAE's Andrew Stockey the Steelers "probably" aren't going to target a quarterback in the first round, but whether Rodgers is planning to sign another contract this offseason could potentially impact whether the franchise targets another signal caller later in the draft.

Heyward, Rooney and the rest of the Steelers will hope to have some clarity as to Rodgers' decision by the time the draft kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.