Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes that Aaron Rodgers is a one-year patch for the team and that he will retire following the season.
Roethlisberger, who has experience playing at an older age coming off a major injury, says Rodgers’ body is likely feeling his age, and he is unlikely to play beyond this year.
“I don’t think he’s got much more after this year,” Roethlisberger said on ‘Footbahlin.’ “I think this might be it for him — personally. I have no reason — you could ask, ‘Well how do you know?’ I don’t know. I’m just guessing in terms of you coming off an Achilles [tear]. Coming off my elbow [injury], my first year back I felt like I was 100. I wasn’t even — you don’t realize you’re not 100 until the next year when you are 100.”
Rodgers had 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 2024. He went just 5-12 in his starts with the Jets, and even after they acquired Davante Adams, they went just 3-8. It was a tough season for Rodgers, who also had multiple leg injuries.
As for Rodgers’ fit with the Steelers, he seems to be enjoying that and cited head coach Mike Tomlin as a critical reason he wanted to play for the Steelers.
“I think there were conversations with other organizations for sure, but again, the rapport that fell in between me and Mike made it to where, as I was going through my personal stuff, there wasn’t any other option for me. It was here, or not play,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers hopes to find success with the Steelers as he rounds into form over the summer. He signed with the Steelers to try and win another Super Bowl while also passing down his knowledge of the game to younger players.