Photo Credit : Justin K. Aller/Getty
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers confirmed Wednesday that the 2026 season will mark the end of his NFL career, bringing a close to one of the league’s most accomplished quarterback runs.
“Yes. This is it,” Rodgers said when asked whether the upcoming campaign would be his final season.
The 42-year-old recently signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh, reuniting with coach Mike McCarthy, who coached Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers Credits Mike McCarthy For Return To Pittsburgh
Rodgers admitted he initially believed his time in Pittsburgh had ended after former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stepped away following last season’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans.
However, the organization’s decision to hire McCarthy changed his outlook and ultimately convinced him to return for a 22nd NFL season.
Rodgers said he even encouraged Steelers general manager Omar Khan to consider McCarthy during the coaching search, though he did not expect the reunion to become reality.
The quarterback described returning to McCarthy’s system as a “full-circle” moment, comparing his first team meeting this week to his early days in Green Bay back in 2006.
McCarthy also called the reunion special and said Rodgers still possesses elite arm talent despite entering his age-42 season.
Steelers Hoping Final Season Ends With Playoff Push
Rodgers spent last season in Pittsburgh after signing with the franchise in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Steelers made several offseason additions to strengthen the roster around him, including wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Rico Dowdle and defensive backs Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker.
Pittsburgh also used a first-round draft pick on offensive line help and added receiver Germie Bernard to improve the offense.
Rodgers said those moves helped convince him the Steelers remain capable of competing for a championship during his final year.
The four-time NFL MVP enters the season ranked among the most accomplished quarterbacks in league history, including four MVP awards, a Super Bowl title and more than 500 career touchdown passes.
