Aaron Rodgers hasn't confirmed his plans for the 2026 NFL season, and his close friend Pat McAfee remains in the dark over his future and has yet to meet his mystery wife
09:38 ET, 03 Mar 2026
Pat McAfee wants Aaron Rodgers to be 'happy' when asked about his NFL future and personal life
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Pat McAfee wants Aaron Rodgers to be 'happy' when asked about his NFL future and personal life(Image: 2026 Aaron J. Thornton)
ESPN host Pat McAfee declared he just wants Aaron Rodgers to be "happy" after offering his thoughts on the NFL star's future in the league and his new mysterious wife, Brittani.
Rodgers, 42, is currently under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but speculation over his return continues. Rodgers has yet to confirm if he will return for a 22nd season in the NFL, and it remains to be seen if he will re-sign with the Steelers in 2026.
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McAfee regularly speaks to Rodgers on 'The Pat McAfee Show' and is seen as a close friend of the NFL veteran. However, McAfee has never met Rodgers' wife and has no inside information on whether the quarterback will suit up next season.
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Rodgers speaks to McAfee more than anyone else in the media and has often repaid the ESPN host by revealing several exclusive stories on his show. McAfee has a lot of respect for Rodgers, and when asked about 2026, he refused to push the quarterback toward a decision.
"I would just like Aaron Rodgers to be happy," McAfee told the Daily Mail. "He's committed so much of his life to this game. Obviously, there's a lot of public scrutiny for everything that he's ever done.
"Some he's obviously caused. Other things, I think he gets taken out of context a lot. He's pretty misunderstood."
Rodgers is a frequent guest on 'The Pat McAfee Show'
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Rodgers is a frequent guest on 'The Pat McAfee Show'(Image: ESPN)
Rodgers enjoyed a stunning career with the Green Bay Packers, winning the Super Bowl in 2010 and claiming four NFL MVP awards. He then started a new chapter with the New York Jets in 2023, though the change of scene didn't go as planned.
After missing the 2023 season through injury, Rodgers returned but failed to lead a stuttering Jets team to the playoffs. Rodgers left the organization after Aaron Glenn was hired as head coach and signed with Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.
Rodgers led the Steelers to the playoffs, and McAfee believes he can still compete at the highest level. "I think he could still spin it," McAfee added. "[But] whatever the hell he wants to do, I hope he's happy. And if we get to see him throw some footballs again, I hope it's on a winning team."
Rodgers has yet to confirm his NFL plans for 2026
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Rodgers has yet to confirm his NFL plans for 2026(Image: Getty Images)
After Rodgers joined the Steelers, he was spotted wearing a wedding ring, leading to questions about his personal life. Rodgers has kept all details private, and even McAfee doesn't know much about her.
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When asked if he'd met Rodgers' wife, McAfee responded: "I have not. But I am, once again, happy for him… and if I get a chance to meet her, that'll obviously be cool."
Rodgers plans to keep 'Brittani' away from the spotlight, but is head over heels for his new wife. "When you meet the right one, and you’re with the right one, your whole world changes in a second," Rodgers said, via Sports Illustrated.
"And to have that person that unconditionally loves you behind the scenes, there's no better feeling in the world, and I have the most incredible wife."