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NFL legend Rodgers declares 2026 as his final season
Reuters • May 21st, 2026 8:23 am
Aaron Rodgers | Photo: Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has confirmed in a press conference that the 2026 season, his 22nd in the NFL, will be his last.
"Yes, this is it," the four-time NFL MVP said when asked on Thursday (NZ time) if this would be his final season.
The 42-year-old officially signed a one-year, $US25 million ($NZ42.6m) contract to return for a second season in Pittsburgh on Monday after months of uncertainty about a potential retirement.
He led the Steelers to an AFC North title in his first season, throwing for 3322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
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He admitted in the press conference that he thought former Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin's retirement meant a similar end for his tenure and likely career as a whole.
But when the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, who coached Rodgers for 13 seasons in Green Bay, that line of thinking shifted.
"When the decision was made to hire Mike, I started opening my mind back up to coming back," Rodgers said.
Rodgers, the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by Green Bay, has made 10 Pro Bowls, four All-Pro teams and led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV championship over his 21 seasons.
He's the active leader in career passing yards (66,274, fifth-most in NFL history) and passing touchdowns (527, fourth).
