Aaron Rodgers has reached a pivotal decision regarding his NFL career. The veteran quarterback, now 41, is set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, as reported by multiple sources on June 5.
According to insiders, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Rodgers will sign a one-year contract with the team. He is expected to travel to Pittsburgh this week to participate in the Steelers' mandatory minicamp next week.
Sources indicate that the Steelers maintained unwavering confidence that Rodgers would ultimately choose to play for them. “The Steelers never wavered in their belief that Aaron Rodgers eventually would sign with Pittsburgh,” Rapoport noted.
Head coach Mike Tomlin played a significant role in influencing Rodgers’ decision. “Tomlin was a drawing card for Rodgers, and was happy to work within Rodgers’ timeline,” Schefter shared via social media. “He is a major reason that Rodgers will be a Steeler.”
Previously, the New York Jets announced their intention to move on from Rodgers after two challenging seasons, which included a disappointing 5-12 record last year. His time with the Jets was marred by injury; just four plays into his debut in September 2023, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the entire season.
The Jets have since signed quarterback Justin Fields and are set to face Rodgers and the Steelers in their season opener on September 7.
In March, Rodgers visited the Steelers’ practice facility but remained noncommittal about his future. “I wasn’t stringing anyone along,” he stated during an April appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention.”
He further elaborated, “I’m open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement could still be a possibility, but right now my focus has been — and will continue to be — on my personal life.”
Rodgers also explored options with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings before ultimately deciding on the Steelers.
Off the field, he recently disclosed that he is in “a serious relationship” with an undisclosed partner. “I’m in a different phase of my life,” he remarked during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention.”
Rodgers emphasized that personal commitments have taken precedence over football since January, stating, “That’s been where I’ve been focusing most of my attention.”
