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Aaron Rodgers spent the offseason sounding like a quarterback nearing the end. But as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a win-or-go-home game in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens, the four-time MVP suddenly looks set to return for another season.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Rodgers did not close the door on the possibility of returning for a 22nd season.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
“I’m thinking about this week, but obviously I’m 42 years old and I have a one-year deal,” he said, via ESPN.
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“So you know what the situation is. Whenever the season ends, I’m going to be a free agent. So it’s going to give me a lot of opportunities if I still want to play. I mean, not a lot of opportunities, but there will be opportunities, I think, maybe one or two if I decide I still want to play.”
Rodgers’ apparent change of heart comes months after he explained why the 2025 season would likely be his last.
“I’ve been playing 20 fucking years, it’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it, and what better place to end than one of the cornerstone franchises in the NFL with [Steelers head coach] Mike Tomlin and a great group of executives and guys in a city that expects you to win,” he said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” in June.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 21, 2025. (Rey Del Rio/AP Photo)
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Rodgers has thrown for 3,028 yards with 23 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and has a real chance to make a playoff appearance with a win over Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sunday.
“Hopefully I can get through this stretch and feel good physically so it’s not in the conversation,” he added.
The next hurdle is a must-win game against Baltimore. The AFC North title is on the line, as is a spot in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio, on Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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The Steelers host the Ravens on Sunday night at 8:20 PM ET.
