Aaron Rodgers Updates Stance on NFL Retirement in Video Ahead of Steelers Training Camp

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he is certain the 2026 season will be his final campaign in the NFL.

"No. Zero debate," Rodgers said Tuesday when asked if there would be any question about returning for 2027 (h/t ESPN's Brooke Pryor).

Rodgers said his decision to return for a 22nd season hinged on the Steelers hiring his former Green Bay Packers coach Mike LaFleur.

"I thought last year might be it, and then Mike got hired, and I talked to my wife, and she said you can do one more year, see if it works out, and then it kind of all came together," Rodgers said.

The 42-year-old is now set to become the eighth player in NFL history to play at least 22 seasons in the league.

Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who is heading into his eighth NFL season and second in Pittsburgh, expressed some doubt as to whether Rodgers will stick to his word.

"People just say things, end of the year, not knowing how the year could go," (h/t Steelers Now's Alan Saunders). "He may not even get hit or touched this year, and he may say, 'Hey, Let's go out there and do another one.'

"It just took some weight off his back. He's just going out there playing free, enjoying possibly his last year with his teammates, with a couple of close friends that he's made over the past two years. So, I think it's just a lot of weight off his shoulders right now."

Rodgers started 16 games for the Steelers last season. He suffered a fractured left wrist in Week 11, but missed just one start while playing through the injury for the rest of the season.

He ultimately led the Steelers to win the AFC North and secure a playoff berth before losing in the Wild Card round to the Houston Texans.

Rodgers will hope a healthier 2026 campaign, the chance to reunite with LaFleur and his increased familiarity with Metcalf will help him lead the Steelers to a playoff win in what he's expecting to be his final postseason run.

The Steelers are set to open the preseason Aug. 13 against the Packers. Rodgers will be expected to start when the regular season kicks off one month later with a Sept. 13 home game against the Atlanta Falcons.