Aaron Rodgers confirms 2026 NFL season will be his final before retirement
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced Wednesday that the 2026 NFL season will be his last before retirement, ending his 22-year career. The 42-year-old told reporters at team activities that while he initially had doubts about returning, the hiring of former Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy ultimately convinced him to play one final season. Rodgers spent 13 seasons under McCarthy in Green Bay and won a Super Bowl together in 2011. This will be only the second time in NFL history that a quarterback-coach duo reunite after winning a championship. Rodgers' decision comes after he spent four months deliberating over the offseason. He led the Steelers to an AFC North title last season but was unable to make a deep playoff run. The four-time MVP is ranked among the greatest quarterbacks ever, holding records in passer rating and touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Key facts
- Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old and will turn 43 in December 2026
- Rodgers signed a one-year deal worth up to 25 million dollars with Pittsburgh
- He spent 13 seasons with coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay from 2006 to 2018
- Rodgers is fourth all-time in passing touchdowns with 527
- He is tied for first all-time in passer rating at 102.2
- In 2025, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions
- Last year he led the Steelers to the AFC North title and a playoff berth
- This will be his 22nd NFL season
- Mike McCarthy was hired as Steelers coach in January after Mike Tomlin resigned
How different outlets framed it
Right-leaning coverage: Sports media with right-leaning outlets highlighted the sporting drama and betting implications of Rodgers' swan song. They focused on whether a 42-year-old quarterback can still compete at a high level and explored the Steelers' championship prospects with Rodgers for one final year.
Limits of this briefing
All coverage is from mainstream sports media with similar factual reporting. There is no significant political framing or partisan perspective evident in coverage, as this is primarily a sports story. The retirement announcement itself is definitive and not subject to interpretation differences across outlets.
Sources
- NFL.com: Aaron Rodgers says he will retire from football after 2026 NFL season: 'This is it' Centre
- ESPN: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers says he plans to retire after season Centre
- NBC Sports: Aaron Rodgers says he will retire after the 2026 NFL season: 'This is it' Centre
- CBS Sports: Aaron Rodgers swan song: Steelers QB says he will retire after 2026 season, ending 22-year career Centre
- TMZ Sports: Aaron Rodgers Says He Will Retire After 2026 Season Centre