AARON RODGERS has made a surprise retirement announcement following his move to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The legendary quarterback made the switch after leaving the New York Jets at the end of the 2024 season.
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Speculation surrounded Rodgers, 41, before he joined the Steelers with many believing he could retire this year.
He then put the rumors to bed as he signed a one-year deal worth $13.65million for the season.
However, it turns out his retirement has only been pushed back by one more NFL season.
Rodgers has admitted that he is “pretty sure” that this will be his final season before he resigns his playbook.
He made the stunning admission during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
He said: “Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it. That’s why we just did a one-year deal.
“This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career I’ve had.
“I’ve played 20 frickin’ years, you know? It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it.
“What better place to finish it than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys.”
Rodgers had been linked with moves to Jets rivals New York Giants as well as the Minnesota Vikings.
However, it was then clear that the Steelers were the best option for Rodgers to play for in his 21st season.
He is guaranteed $10m as part of his deal with the franchise.
The veteran put pen to paper on the contract last month, having taken some time for personal reasons.
He appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast and revealed that there has been a tragedy in his personal life.
He said: “I wanted to be all in and I had so many other things going on in my life that were taking my mind and my energy elsewhere and that’s why I appreciated how Mike was the entire time.
“Just being able to have those honest conversations every single week was really meaningful to me.
NFL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
(All times ET)
Thur 4 Sept
8.20 pm – Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Fri 5 Sept
8pm – Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Sun 7 Sept
1pm – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
1pm – Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
1pm – Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
1pm – Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots
1pm – Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
1pm – Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
1pm – New York Giants at Washington Commanders
1pm – Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
4.05 pm – Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos
4.05 pm – San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
4.25 pm – Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
4.25 pm – Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
8.20 pm – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Mon 8 Sept
8.15 pm – Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
“The way that I was welcomed in was really cool.”
Rodgers’ career is best known for his 18-year spell with the Green Bay Packers.
He won the Super Bowl with the team in 2011, but his two years with the Jets were underwhelming.
Meanwhile, Tomlin is already targeting Rodgers’ replacement and have been linked with Miami Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey.
