Aaron Rodgers Aims to Retire as a Green Bay Packer

NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now donning the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has made it clear that his heart remains with the Green Bay Packers. “I’ll retire a Packer and see what happens after that,” he stated during a press conference on October 23, reflecting on his 18 seasons with the franchise.

This Sunday, October 26, marks a significant moment as Rodgers prepares to face his former team for the first time. “They asked this week if it is a revenge game or whatever,” he remarked. “What do I have to be avenging here? They made me a ton of money. I grew up there, spent some of the best years of my life there. I’ve got nothing but love for the organization.”

While speculation surrounds his potential retirement at the end of this season, Rodgers has not confirmed whether he will step away from the game or continue playing. He signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers after a brief and tumultuous stint with the New York Jets in 2023.

Rodgers, a 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time league MVP, led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Reflecting on his time in Green Bay, he said, “It was such a tight-knit group for so long there. I outlasted most of them, but it’s fun; that’s why I feel so good about my time there because damn near everything great in my life is because of my football career.”

As he prepares for this weekend's game, Rodgers has a chance to make history by becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams. The Steelers currently hold a 4-2 record under his leadership, including a victory over his previous team, the Jets. Meanwhile, the Packers enter the matchup with a 4-1-1 record.

The game will take place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, but Rodgers noted that it would hold “a lot more” significance if it were at Lambeau Field. “Just because of the affection I have for that place,” he explained, reminiscing about the cherished memories created on that iconic field.

Rodgers’ journey mirrors that of another legendary Packers quarterback, Brett Favre, who also concluded his career with a different team but was welcomed back by Green Bay. Favre was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2015 and later into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.