On Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers joined The Pat McAfee Show, where he made a major announcement. The long-time NFL quarterback admitted that the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers will likely be his last in the NFL. This shouldn't come as a colossal surprise. Rodgers is 41 years old and will turn 42 during the season this year. He's already operating on borrowed time.
While the news wasn't shocking, it isn't what most Steelers fans wanted to hear. Pittsburgh is about to have its fifth new starting quarterback to begin the season over the past five years, and the QB turnover isn't helping this franchise take the next step.
But it's Rodgers' words about what this season means to him that should have every Steelers fan pumped up for 2025.
"When this is done, I'm done, and you won't see me. And I'm looking forward to that. But while I'm in it, for this year, I'm going to give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens," Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show. "Obviously we dream about playing at the highest level in the biggest games.
Rodgers went on to praise the organization and Mike Tomlin for giving him a chance, while noting the significance of being able to follow in the footsteps of Steelers legends.
"The fact that I can come to Pittsburgh, play for Mike [Tomlin], get to know the organization, be a part of an special franchise that's had such incredible success and be able to play and follow in the footsteps of Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and Lynn Swann and Jack Lambert, Mean Joe Greene," Rodgers continued. "And then all the guys that played in the '90s and 2000s. Jerome Bettis and Big Ben. All-time greats. And just to be a guy that can put on the same uniform is pretty special for me, and that's all I need this year."
Rodgers concluded by insisting that he's doing everything in his power to ensure this team plays in 20 games this year.
"Just to go out and have a chance to compete. That's why I'm working so hard, because I want to put myself in a position to play 20 games this year, and 20 great ones."
Pittsburgh Steelers fans get confirmation that Aaron Rodgers is in it for the right reasons
If you were wondering why Aaron Rodgers decided to play one final season in the NFL in 2025, we finally have our answer. The long-time NFL quarterback has been adamant that this isn't about the money or trying to prove himself. Rodgers already made more money than most can dream of in a lifetime, and his Hall of Fame career doesn't need another All-Pro season to earn a gold jacket. He's here to win.
Rodgers said he wants to play in 20 games this year, and if you did the math in your head, that would include three playoff games in addition to the 17-game regular-season schedule. Assuming Rodgers' sky-high expectations include claiming the AFC conference title, the 41-year-old intends to cap off his career with a Super Bowl win.
Of course, this is easier said than done; the Steelers aren't expected to finish atop their division, let alone the top of the conference. But you've got to love Rodgers' attitude. Fans can get on board when he claims he's going to 'empty the tank' and give it everything he's got left. What more could we ask for?