Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been holding their breath since early in the offseason for a quarterback resolution, and it looked like we were finally going to get an answer. After emerging from his hypothetical darkness retreat, quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared as a surprise guest on The Pat McAfee Show.
Many believed the four-time MVP was finally ready to make a decision about his future in the NFL and whether he was going to sign with the Steelers. But what we got was so much worse.
When McAfee asked Rodgers what he's been up to, the 41-year-old quarterback shot the breeze.
"It's been an interesting break for me. Just been hanging out, working out... and enjoying my time," Rodgers said. "I'll set it all straight. I have no problem. I'm in a different phase of my life, I'm 41 years old... To make a commitment to a team is a big thing, whether you're a first-year player or a 20-year vet. "
McAfee poked around a bit more to see if Rodgers had made any progress on a football decision, but to no avail.
"I had conversations with a lot of teams..." Rodgers continued. "I've been straight up with these teams from the start... It's never been about the money. I said I'd play for [$10 million]."
Rodgers went on to insist that he was straightforward with inquiring teams from the gate, and that it was never his intention to 'hold anybody hostage' when it came to a decision.
"I wasn't stringing anybody along, I wasn't holding anybody hostage... Retirement could still be a possibility, but right now, my focus is still on my personal life."
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to move forward with the assumption that Aaron Rodgers will not be on the team in 2025
Aaron Rodgers made it very clear that he was dealing with personal issues and that those are taking precedence over a football decision. This we can all respect. But the Pittsburgh Steelers can't sit around and wait forever for the aging quarterback to make a decision about his future.
Based on Rodgers' comments on The Pat McAfee Show, the 41-year-old quarterback doesn't sound like he's anywhere near ready to make a decision about his future. The future Hall of Fame quarterback also didn't rule out the possibility of retirement—something that has been rumored for months now.
While Aaron Rodgers felt like the last respectable line of defense to save the Steelers' 2025 season before it even begins, this organization can't wait any longer. It's time to turn the page and move forward as if Rodgers won't be part of the plan.
Let's hope he can find resolutions to the real-life issues he's dealing with.