Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers says 2026 will be final season

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers confirmed in a press conference Wednesday 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 if this would be his final season.

Rodgers, 42, officially signed a one-year, $25 million 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 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

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).

--Field Level Media

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 3:40 PM.