Aaron Rodgers Announces 2025 Will Be Final NFL Season: Steelers QB Plans Quiet Retirement After One-Year Deal

By Jason Bolton June 27, 2025 07:17

In a heartfelt and candid interview on The Pat McAfee Show this week, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers confirmed that the 2025 NFL season will very likely be the final chapter in his illustrious career. The 41-year-old veteran, who signed a one-year, $13.6 million contract with the Steelers earlier this month, expressed a desire to conclude his two-decade journey in the league with “love, fun, and peace.”

“That’s why we just did a one-year deal the Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything,” Rodgers explained. “This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I mean, I’ve played freaking 20 years, you know? It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys and a city that expects you to win.”

Rodgers’ announcement ends years of speculation about his future. After a storied tenure with the Green Bay Packers, where he won four NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl, Rodgers’ recent years have been marked by transitions and challenges. His two seasons with the New York Jets were marred by injury and organizational upheaval, culminating in his release earlier this year. The Steelers’ signing offered a fresh start and a chance to compete for one last championship.

Rodgers’ Legacy and Career Highlights

Entering his 21st NFL season, Rodgers’ career statistics are among the greatest in league history. He ranks sixth all-time in passing yards with 62,952 and fourth in passing touchdowns with 503. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, clutch performances, and football IQ, Rodgers has left an indelible mark on the game. His ability to extend plays and read defenses has been a hallmark of his style, earning him a place in the Hall of Fame conversation.

Despite the physical toll of two decades in the NFL, Rodgers remains committed to giving his all in 2025. “I’m looking forward to that, but for this year, I’m committed to giving the Steelers everything I have and will feel satisfied with whatever the outcome may be,” he said.

What This Means for the Steelers

Rodgers’ one-year deal and impending retirement provide the Steelers with clarity and a roadmap for the future. Pittsburgh has struggled to find a long-term successor since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and Rodgers’ tenure offers a bridge to groom younger talent or explore future options without the pressure of a multi-year commitment.

NFL analyst Mike Florio noted, “Rodgers’ decision allows the Steelers to plan proactively. They have time to evaluate their quarterback prospects and make strategic moves in the draft or free agency.”

Head coach Mike Tomlin praised Rodgers’ professionalism and leadership, emphasizing the veteran’s influence on the locker room culture. “Aaron brings a wealth of experience and a competitive fire that elevates everyone around him. We’re grateful to have him for this season and wish him the best when he decides to hang up the cleats.”

Rodgers’ Quiet Exit

Unlike some high-profile retirements, Rodgers plans a low-key departure from the game. “You won’t see me,” he remarked when asked about post-retirement life. “I’m looking forward to stepping away from the public eye and focusing on the next chapter.”

His retirement will close the book on one of the NFL’s most captivating careers, defined by brilliance on the field and a complex, sometimes controversial, journey off it.

Aaron Rodgers’ announcement that 2025 will likely be his final NFL season marks the end of an era. His decision to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers reflects a desire to finish on his own terms, surrounded by a supportive organization and fanbase. As the league prepares for another exciting season, all eyes will be on Rodgers to see how the legendary quarterback caps off a remarkable career.